Which group includes manatees and dugongs?

Which group includes manatees and dugongs?

• A. Polychaeta
• B. Porifera
• C. Reptilia
• D. Sirenia

Answer: (D)

Manatees and dugongs are a group of aquatic mammals called Sirenia, the sea cows. They are herbivorous, live in shallow coastal waters, and feed mainly on seagrasses, which sets them apart as a distinct mammalian order. This makes Sirenia the best fit because the other groups—Polychaeta (segmented worms), Porifera (sponges), and Reptilia (reptiles)—do not include aquatic, herbivorous mammals. Polychaetes are worms, sponges are simple filter feeders with no tissues, and reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with scales. Sirenia are mammals, so they share traits like breathing air and nursing their young, supporting why this is the correct classification.

Manatees and dugongs are a group of aquatic mammals called Sirenia, the sea cows. They are herbivorous, live in shallow coastal waters, and feed mainly on seagrasses, which sets them apart as a distinct mammalian order. This makes Sirenia the best fit because the other groups—Polychaeta (segmented worms), Porifera (sponges), and Reptilia (reptiles)—do not include aquatic, herbivorous mammals. Polychaetes are worms, sponges are simple filter feeders with no tissues, and reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with scales. Sirenia are mammals, so they share traits like breathing air and nursing their young, supporting why this is the correct classification.