I learned that adaptations are the changes some animals make to be able to survive in their environment. Different marine animals have adaptations that help them live in and out of water.
Whales and other animals swimming in cold water need to stay warm. They have warm blood so they have layers of blubber so their bodies don’t get too cold.
Some marine animals spend time in water and on land. Polar bears have fat and fur to help keep them warm. They have another cool adaptation too. Polar bears have large feet, which act like snowshoes to help them walk over snow and ice.
Penguins look furry when they are babies but they have feathers, not fur, to help them stay dry when they are swimming. Penguins are heavy so they can dive deep into the water to look for food.
Sea otters have thick fur to keep their skin dry when they are in the water. When I met the otters at SeaWorld San Diego, I learned they spend a lot of time grooming their fur. They can see very well and have whiskers to help them find food in the water.
Marine animals have many other adaptations like their body shapes and fins for swimming. Every time I go to SeaWorld, I learn more about animals and how they have changed to live in their environments.