Sea lion

About Sealion:

• It is a marine mammal that belongs to the family Otariidae.
• These are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending a significant amount of time both on land and in the water.
• Appearance:
  • They have a streamlined body with a large head and a long, flexible neck.
  • They typically have a brown or tan coat, and adult males develop a thick mane of hair around their necks.
• Habitat:
  • They inhabit rocky shorelines, islands, and sandy beaches.
  • They can be found in various regions, including the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
• Diet: Sea lions are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, such as herring, anchovies, sardines, and squid.
• Currently, there are six subspecies of sea lions: Australian sea lions, California sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, New Zealand sea lions, South American sea lions, and Steller sea lions.

What is an algal bloom?

• It is a rapid and excessive growth of algae in aquatic environments.
• It can occur in both freshwater and marine ecosystems and is typically caused by a combination of factors such as nutrient availability, temperature, light, and water conditions.
• It causes the production of a neurotoxin called domoic acid. 
• These can also proliferate because of human causes such as climate change and an excess of nitrates washed out to sea.

Q1) What are Mammals?

Mammals are a diverse group of animals that belong to the class Mammalia. They are characterized by several key features like have mammary glands, hair or fur covering their bodies and most mammals give birth to live young, as opposed to laying eggs.

Source: Sick sea lions washing ashore in California due to algae bloom