Manatee
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
| Manatee |
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| Scientific Classification |
| Species |
Manatee is a docile herbivorous mammal common to shallow coastal waters. As such they are an endangered species due to human encroachments into their habitat. Manatees have been historically hunted for flesh, bones, hide or oil. While conservation efforts have made this action illegal and reduced the number of such deaths, poaching still continues in areas such as West Africa. In modern times, a bigger threat has come from accidental collisions with motor boats, as manatees are slow surface swimmers. Boat collisions are now considered the leading cause of death for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus) [1].
Like all sea creatures, the Manatee was created on the 5th day of creation before land animals. In contrast, evolutionists claim that ocean mammals evolved from land animals. This sequence of events in the creation illustrates an irreconcilable difference between the creation and evolution perspectives.
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Anatomy
The manatee usually lives a full life of sixty years old. When full grown the manatee can be 10-12 feet long, and can weigh up to 1000-1800 pounds. When the manatee is born it is usually black and gray, but once they get older their skin slowly gets lighter.
The teeth of the manatee are very unique, having just hind molars and a palette in the front. These molars continuously replace older teeth through what is known as "moral progression" or marching molars". Their teeth are constantly moving forward, and as those at the front wear down from chewing it forms a plate. (Watch video)
The manatee’s lungs are also extremely unique. They are flattened-out and long, positioned lengthwise along the back. The manatee’s ribs are more curved than those in other mammals, allowing the lungs to be positioned much higher along the vertebral column.
Reproduction
Manatees reproduce sexually. The female is usually mature at the age of 5, and the male at the age of nine. While the manatee lifespan nears 60 years of age, they only give birth to one calf every 2 to 5 years. At birth the manatee is only 3-4 feet long and only weighs 60-70 pounds. The male doesn't have anything to do with the process of raising the young.
Ecology
The manatee is very social, living at times in groups of 15-20. They occupy warm water habitats around the depths of 3-7 ft. deep, and are rarely found deeper than 20ft. Manatees can live in salt water, fresh water, or brackish waters. Most manatees are found coastal regions of the Americas, West Africa, and the Amazon.
