Sea Lion Scientific Research
There has been a great deal of Sea Lion research for us to learn the basics of these animals. However, it seems that the more we learn the more questions that arise. There continues to be plenty of debate about the evolution of Sea Lions. There are plenty of theories but not enough hard evidence to prove them or to discredit them. What is somewhat accepted though is that they evolved more than 23 million years ago.
Since the different species of Sea Lions live in different areas, research has taken place regarding the different ones. What has been noted is that for the most part they are the same. While they vary in location, size, and what types of specific meat foods they consume they are very similar other than location. It is believed that if they had to species of Sea Lions could successfully be relocated to new habitats based on this research.
One of the most fascinating areas of Sea Lion research has to do with their communication skills. They are very social animals and they make a variety of sounds to interact with each other. Some of these sounds are for their young, for mating, to give a warning due to threats, and for mere social interaction. There are many of these forms of communication though that we still don’t really understand. Plenty more research needs to be done in order for us to learn more.
Understanding their social structure is important because that way we can reproduce similar elements when these animals are in captivity. By studying their mating habits as well as how the mothers care for their young we can get a good idea of their natural methods of keeping each species alive. They are amazing creatures with very few predators.
Watching how they are able to transition from land to water is also an area of research. Observing them as well as carefully examining their anatomy has given us insight to Sea Lions that we wouldn’t otherwise have the benefit of.
Through Sea Lion research we know that they do very well in captivity. They actually have a longer life span there than in the wild. We also have been able to test their intelligence and it is amazing. This is what has lead to the use of Sea Lions for entertainment as well as military operations in the water.
Without intensive research of Sea Lions we wouldn’t have the knowledge that we do concerning their needs. We wouldn’t understand the human situation in their natural habitat, the global warming, and pollution that has a negative impact on their survival. Such research is key to helping us understand these problems and to make positive changes.
The medical needs of Sea Lions have also been studied through research. It is hoped that by finding out what types of parasites and worms affect them the most we can intervene when numbers of them are in jeopardy due to such outbreaks. It is also known that Sea Lions can suffer from forms of cancer, epilepsy, and pneumonia. All of this can help us to fully understand more about such medical problems.
Funding for ongoing Sea Lion research is very hard to get though. This means that testing that researchers would like to do is often put on hold. It also means that theories end up sitting there instead of being worked through. Most of the Sea Lion research that does take place is due to the generosity of private donations. There are also many volunteers that do the work for free to help it be accomplished.
