About This Activity
Historically mistaken for mermaids, hence their Latin name Sirenia, manatees are iconic marine mammals. These gentle giants grace us with their presence in coastal habitats where they can munch on plenty of seagrass, algae, and mangrove leaves. This course will focus on their misunderstood biology, unique behavior, and conservation challenges. We’ll experiment with "blubber" to understand their vulnerability to cold temperatures and closely examine a manatee's skull, including its unique molars. Exploring their habitat, using snorkeling techniques to understand buoyancy, and even seining to catch seagrass bed inhabitants will offer students a firsthand experience of the manatee's world.
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