ENHYDRA LUTRIS Meaning and
Definition
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Enhydra lutris, commonly known as the sea otter, is a marine mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family. This species is characterized by its unique adaptations to aquatic life, including dense waterproof fur, webbed hind feet, and a flat, muscular tail that aids in swimming. Native to the coastal waters of the northern and eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to California, the sea otter is one of the smallest marine mammals, typically measuring about 4 to 5 feet in length and weighing between 30 to 100 pounds.
Sea otters are highly skilled swimmers and spend most of their lives in water, rarely coming ashore. They have a varied diet, feeding primarily on invertebrates such as clams, crabs, and sea urchins, which they catch using their dexterous front paws and sharp teeth. These otters are considered a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems. By consuming sea urchins, they help regulate kelp forest ecosystems, which in turn provide habitats for numerous other marine organisms.
Once on the brink of extinction due to fur trading, conservation efforts have led to the recovery of some sea otter populations. However, they still face threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, and predation. Given their ecological significance and vulnerability, Enhydra lutris is protected by various international and national regulations.
In summary, Enhydra lutris is a marine mammal commonly called the sea otter that is adapted for life in the ocean and plays an essential role in maintaining coastal ecosystems across the northern Pacific Ocean.
Common Misspellings for ENHYDRA LUTRIS
- wnhydra lutris
- snhydra lutris
- dnhydra lutris
- rnhydra lutris
- 4nhydra lutris
- 3nhydra lutris
- ebhydra lutris
- emhydra lutris
- ejhydra lutris
- ehhydra lutris
- engydra lutris
- enbydra lutris
- ennydra lutris
- enjydra lutris
- enuydra lutris
- enyydra lutris
- enhtdra lutris
- enhgdra lutris
- enhhdra lutris
Etymology of ENHYDRA LUTRIS
The etymology of the term "Enhydra lutris" can be broken down as follows:
1. Enhydra: The word "Enhydra" is derived from the ancient Greek words "en" meaning "in" or "within" and "hydor" meaning "water". Therefore, "Enhydra" can be roughly translated to "within water".
2. Lutris: "Lutris" is the Latin specific epithet for the sea otter. It comes from the Latin word "lutreola", which means "otter-like". This word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "lutra", meaning "otter".
When combined together, "Enhydra lutris" can be translated to "otter within water", referring to the sea otter's natural aquatic habitat.
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