Aquatic Life Comparisons
How observant are you? Here’s a Fun Zoo challenge:
Take a look at a bird called the red-breasted merganser and a mammal called the American river otter. Both are very effective predators when it comes to catching fish.
As fish-catching predators, which physical adaptations appear on both of these animals?
• A natural suit that provides insulation and waterproofing in cold water. The merganser has fluffy, feathers close to its skin and outer feathers that provide waterproofing. The otter has soft under-fur and waterproof outer “guard” hairs.
• Oil glands that help waterproof their outer feathers or fur.
• Tooth-like structures for catching slippery fishes: the merganser has a serrated beak; the otter has sharp, pointed teeth.
• Webbed feet that work like swim fins to propel themselves through the water.
• Streamlined bodies that let them easily slip through the water.
• Clear, specialized eyelids (nictitating membranes) that let them see well underwater.