Is the walrus a marine mammal?

Yes, the walrus is a marine mammal. Walruses belong to the Odobenidae family and are the only living members of this family. They are easily recognized by their long tusks, which are in fact elongated upper canines. Walruses live mainly in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, around the Chukchi, Bering, Laptev and Greenland Seas.

Walruses are well adapted to marine life. They spend much of their time in the water in search of food, mainly bivalve molluscs such as clams, which they detect with their vibrissae (sensitive whiskers). They use their tusks to pull themselves up onto the ice and move around, as well as to defend themselves against predators and during territorial or breeding fights.

Their thick layer of blubber protects them from the freezing Arctic cold and enables them to float easily in the water. Walruses are also able to slow their heart rate to save energy and stay submerged longer when diving for food.

Walruses play an important role in the Arctic ecosystem as predators of shellfish, and as prey for polar bears and killer whales. They are also of great cultural importance to the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, who traditionally hunt them for their meat, skins and tusks.

The walrus is a marine mammal. Adapted to life in the cold waters of the Arctic, they are known for their long tusks and aquatic lifestyle, playing a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem and for local human communities.

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