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Seal whiskers detect water movements

Author

Listed:
  • Guido Dehnhardt

    (University of Bonn, Institute of Zoology)

  • Björn Mauck

    (University of Bonn, Institute of Zoology)

  • Horst Bleckmann

    (University of Bonn, Institute of Zoology)

Abstract

How do pinnipeds orientate themselves under water? As most pinniped species feed in conditions under which visibility is drastically reduced, for example at night, at great depths or in murky waters, it has been particularly unclear how they succeed in finding food. Here we show that harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) can use their whiskers to detect minute water movements. The high sensitivity of this sensory system should allow a seal to gain hydrodynamic information resulting from movements of other aquatic animals, such as prey, predators or conspecifics.

Suggested Citation

  • Guido Dehnhardt & Björn Mauck & Horst Bleckmann, 1998. "Seal whiskers detect water movements," Nature, Nature, vol. 394(6690), pages 235-236, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:394:y:1998:i:6690:d:10.1038_28303
    DOI: 10.1038/28303
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