Which of the following best describes what happened to the sea otter population between 1750 and 1850?

The men of the Bering expedition in 1741 ate the meat from hundreds of sea otters and skinned them for their fur. Hunters and habitat loss rendered sea otters almost extinct along the coast of North America by the late 1800s.

How did sea otters evolve?

The fossil remnants of many freshwater otters date back to the Miocene (5 to 23 million years ago). Scientists believe that sea otters descended from fish-eating, otter-like ancestors about five to seven million years ago, during the late Miocene and early Pliocene period.

How have sea otters adapted to their environment?

Sea otters exhibit numerous adaptations which help them survive in their challenging marine environment. Long whiskers help them to detect vibrations in murky waters and sensitive forepaws, with retractable claws, help them to groom, locate and capture prey underwater, and use tools.

Why were otters hunted in the 1800s?

From local hunting to global industry Beginning in the mid-1700’s, sea otters were aggressively hunted throughout their range for their rich fur pelts in the maritime fur trade era.

What did an otter evolve from?

Within the weasel family (Mustelidae), otters (Lutrinae) are a recent radiation that originated from terrestrial weasel-like ancestors and evolved into semiaquatic hunters that thrive in freshwater and marine habitats.

How do otters adapt?

The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water.

Which of the following best describes what happened to the otter population between 1750 and?

Which of the following best describes what happened to the otter population between 1750 and 1850? As otters were removed during the hunting years, there was a large decrease in the catches of fish species from the eelgrass habitats.