Marine reptiles, seabirds, and marine mammals are the primary groups of sea animals that breathe air.
These air-breathing marine animals (A-BMA) are found in diverse habitats around the world, from coastal regions to the open ocean. They have evolved unique adaptations to survive in the marine environment while still requiring access to the surface for air.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Marine Reptiles: This group includes:
- Sea Turtles: Like all reptiles, sea turtles breathe air with lungs.
- Sea Snakes: These venomous snakes also require surfacing to breathe.
- Saltwater Crocodiles: Although primarily found in coastal regions and estuaries, saltwater crocodiles are capable of living in marine environments.
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Seabirds: A wide variety of birds depend on the ocean for food and survival, including:
- Penguins: Although flightless, penguins are highly adapted for swimming and diving but breathe air.
- Seagulls: Common coastal birds that breathe air.
- Pelicans: Known for their distinctive throat pouches, pelicans are seabirds that breathe air.
- Albatrosses: These large, majestic birds spend most of their lives at sea and breathe air.
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Marine Mammals: This group is entirely dependent on the ocean and includes:
- Cetaceans (Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises): These mammals have adapted to breathe air through blowholes on top of their heads.
- Sirenians (Dugongs and Manatees): These gentle giants are herbivores that live in coastal waters and breathe air.
- Pinnipeds (Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses): These marine mammals are well-adapted for both aquatic and terrestrial life, but they must surface to breathe air.
- Sea Otters: The smallest marine mammal in North America also require air to breathe.
In summary, sea animals that breathe air include marine reptiles like sea turtles and snakes, various seabirds, and marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters. All of these animals must surface regularly to breathe air.
