Enhydra is a monotypic genus in the weasel family Mustelidae, containing the single living species the sea otter, native to the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean historically ranging in an arc from northern Japan to the central Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. The sea otter is markedly different from other mustelids: it lacks functional anal scent glands and can live its entire life without leaving the water. The genus represents a comparatively recent marine adaptation, having entered the ocean only around two million years ago in the Pleistocene.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific NameEnhydra (type species Enhydra lutris) 2 Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionNorth Pacific, where the lineage became isolated about two million years ago 2 Defining CharacteristicsThe only extant genus of the bunodont otters, with non-blade carnassials with rounded cusps 2 Classification
Living or Extinct In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ5832825, descriptionView the Source 2. Enhydra - Wikipedia
Lead paragraph, first sentence
Enhydra is a genus of mustelid that contains the sea otter and two extinct relatives.
Species list section, type species entry
Enhydra lutris
Lead paragraph, species count clause
Enhydra is a genus of mustelid that contains the sea otter and two extinct relatives.
Evolution section
Fossil evidence indicates the Enhydra lineage became isolated in the North Pacific approximately 2 million years ago, giving rise to the now-extinct Enhydra macrodonta and the modern sea otter.
Main article, dental characteristics sentence
It is the only extant genus of the bunodont otters group, referring to otters with non-blade carnassials with rounded cusps.
View the SourceWikidata: Enhydra
Wikidata Q5832825, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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