Pinnipeds are easily slaughtered but can also recover quickly. Briefly review the history of Guadalupe fur seal populations in Mexico and California. Pinnipeds and people compete for the same resources. Also, look ahead to p. 422 for an explanation of why some pinnipeds, such as Stellar's sea lion, might be especially vulnerable to over fishing and its consequential reduction in average fish size. Featured Organism pp.
Baleen whales are huge filter feeders.
Briefly explain what a baleen is and how it works. Toothed whales are intelligent animals . Note that brain size and intelligence are not easy to relate . See also Chapter 4 Notes .