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| | [[Image:Walrus1.JPG|right|Walruses.]] | | [[Image:Walrus1.JPG|right|Walruses.]] |
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| − | The '''Walrus''' ''Odobenus rosmarus'' is a large species of [[Arctic]] [[pinniped]], readily distinguished from all other marine mammals by the possession of a pair of substantial tusks, used for hauling them onto ice floes. Walruses have no external ears, and are heavily whiskered, which aids them in detecting their main food, [[mollusc]]s living on the sea floor. Sometimes rogue walruses, generally large adult males, will attack and consume smaller [[seal]]s and toothed [[whale]]s.
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| − | Three populations, sometimes considered as subspecies, are recognized; in the north [[Atlantic Ocean]], the north [[Pacific Ocean]], and the [[Laptev Sea]].
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| − | Walruses have been traditionally hunted by Arctic people for their meat, hide and [[ivory]] for thousands of years. In recent times, hunting for ivory has severely impacted walrus populations. Although now protected, some [[poaching]] continues. The only other animal that preys upon adult walrus is the [[orca|killer whale]], though [[polar bear]]s will sometimes attack calves.
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| − | Though generally confined to shallow coastal areas with ice floes, walruses occasionally wander further afield, with individuals recorded from as far south as [[Scotland]] and [[Ireland]].
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| − | == Trivia ==
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| − | One of the protagonists of [[Lewis Carroll]]'s poem, ''The walrus and the carpenter'', is a walrus and is accurately depicted feeding upon molluscs.
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| | It features in the song by [[The Beatles]], ''I am the walrus''. | | It features in the song by [[The Beatles]], ''I am the walrus''. |
Revision as of 04:11, December 8, 2007
TEH WALRUS IS PAUL!!!
It features in the song by The Beatles, I am the walrus.
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