Q. With reference to the animal ‘Manatees’, consider the following statements:
1.These are large aquatic mammals.
2.They are herbivores.
3.They are generally solitary animals.
4.They have sharp teeth for hunting prey.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Manatees are large aquatic mammals. They belong to a group of animals called Sirenia. This group also contains dugongs. There are three species, or types, of manatee: – The Amazonian manatee lives in the Amazon River and in fresh water in South America. This species is only found in freshwater. The African manatee lives in tropical West Africa. The Caribbean manatee is found in Florida and the West Indies. All 3 species are vulnerable. They are herbivores. They spend up to eight hours a day grazing and can consume 4 to 9 percent of their body weight in aquatic vegetation daily. They are generally solitary animals.
Statement 4 is incorrect. Manatees do not have sharp teeth. Their molars are flat and broad, suited for grinding vegetation, not tearing flesh.
Source: Forum IAS
