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The Open University

Studying mammals: Return to the water

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

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Some of the most unusual and versatile of all the mammals are the groups that live, feed and reproduce underwater. In this free course, Studying mammals: Return to the water, we will see how these formerly land-based mammals adapted to a return to the water, discussing such challenges as breathing, movement and communication. This is the seventh course in the Studying mammals series.NOTE: The Studying mammals series is gradually being updated and replaced. You can study an improved freestanding version of this course, titled Aquatic mammals, here:https://www.open.edu/openlearn/nature-environment/aquatic-mammals/content-section-0

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 The pinnipeds, sirenians and cetaceans
  • 1 The pinnipeds, sirenians and cetaceans
  • 2 Living in the water
  • 2 Living in the water
  • 2.1 Land versus water
  • 2.2 Breathing air
  • 2.3 Moving about
  • 2.4 Staying warm …
  • 2.5 … and getting larger
  • 2.6 Senses and communication …
  • 2.7 … and becoming more intelligent
  • 3 The 'diving response'
  • 3 The 'diving response'
  • 3.1 Features of the diving response
  • 3.2 Natural dives
  • 4 The evolution of whales
  • 4 The evolution of whales
  • 4.1 The rate of evolution
  • 4.2 Intermediate forms
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements

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