10/14/08

#55: Whiskers

What are they for? Seal whiskers, or vibrissae, are used to feel the change in vibration in the water. This is helpful when hunting fish. Seals use their vibrissae to navigate in dark or murky water. Our sight impaired seals at the aquarium, using only their whiskers, get around just as well as the sighted seals. Seal whiskers are similar to cat and dog whiskers too. Here is a good look at Cayenne & Trumpet's vibrissae.




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