Effects of ontogeny and oiling on the thermal function of southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) fur.

ABSTRACT: During the evolution of most marine mammals, fur as an insulator has been replaced with more buoyant, energy storing and streamlining blubber. By contrast, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) relies on insulation from its dense, air-trapping pelage, which differs morphologically between natal and adult stages. In this study, we investigated the ontogenetic changes in thermal function of southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) pelts in air, in water, and when saturated with crude oil. Pelt thermal conductivity, thickness, and thermal resistance were measured for six age classes: neonate (<1 month), small pup (1-2 months), large pup (3-5 months), juvenile (6 months-1 year), subadult (1-3 years), and adult (4-9 years). Thermal conductivity was significantly higher for pelts in air

SUBMITTER: Riordan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10724463 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature