Dugongs Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dugong dugon

The scientific name is derived from the generic name "Dugong" and the specific name "dugon". The species is the sole extant member of the family Dungogidae following the extinction of Steller's sea cow in 1768.

The other options are the scientific names of the dugongs' cousins, the manatee species. Trichechus senegalensis is the scientific name for the West African manatee, Trichechus manatus is the scientific name for the West Indian manatee and Trichechus inunguis is the scientific name for the Amazonian manatee.

Answer: Elephants

Elephants and dugongs are classified under the same supercohort Afrotheria "clade of African mammals," cohort Paenungulata, down to super-order Tethytheria.

Though they share the same habitat with whales, dolphins and crabs they are not related to any of these species.

Answer: False

Dugongs can be found in the coastal waters of three continents, namely Asia, Australia, and Africa. Dugongs have an extremely large range, being found from the coastal waters of East Africa to Vanuatu.

Despite the wide range, discontinuities in habitat are the major threat to the species.

Answer: Herbivorous

Dugongs are sea grass specialists, uprooting the whole plant, making them herbivores. They favor the species of two genera of sea grass, namely Halophila and Halodule.

Answer: Sensory bristles for food detection

Dugongs have sensory bristles on their muzzles, which are receptors that help them detect and locate seagrass in the water. These bristles are part of a system called the "vibrissae system," which is sensitive to touch, pressure, and vibration.

Answer: Food availability

Dugongs are obligate bottom feeders, and they depend primarily on sea grasses. Sea grasses are found in shallow waters since they require sunlight penetration.

Answer: False

Dugongs are primarily marine mammals, unlike their cousins, manatees, which are primarily freshwater mammals.

Answer: Locomotion

Dugongs have a horizontally split, paddle-like tail which provides increased maneuverability and allows them to swim and feed effectively.

Answer: Decline in dugong population

This belief accelerates the hunting pressure the demand for dugong bones drives illegal hunting and trade, resulting in a significant decline in dugong populations.

Despite being protected by law in many countries, the illegal hunting of dugongs continues to be a significant threat.

Answer: Thick, tough skin

Dugong skin is thick and tough, providing some protection against predation attempts.

Older dugongs lack natural predators, but known predators of young dugongs are killer whales, sharks, and marine crocodiles.