The spelling of "Atlantic Walrus" is straightforward with simple pronunciation rules. The word "Atlantic" is pronounced /ətˈlæntɪk/ (/ət/ for "a" sound, /ˈlæn/ for "lan" sound, and /tɪk/ for "tic" sound). "Walrus" is pronounced /ˈwɔːlrəs/ (/wɔːl/ for "wal" sound and /rəs/ for "rus" sound). Therefore, the correct way to spell this word phonetically is /ətˈlæntɪk ˈwɔːlrəs/. The Atlantic walrus is a marine mammal that can be found in the Arctic waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
The Atlantic Walrus, scientifically known as Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus, is a large marine mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora and the family Odobenidae. It is primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean, mainly inhabiting the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. This species is renowned for its distinctive features, including their long tusks, blubbery body, and prominent whiskers.
The Atlantic Walrus can reach an impressive length of up to 11 feet (3.3 meters) and weigh up to 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds). Their most recognizable characteristic is their elongated tusks, which are actually canine teeth that can extend up to 3 feet (1 meter). These tusks serve various purposes such as aiding in foraging, climbing onto ice floes, and during battles for territorial disputes.
Due to their extensive insulation of blubber and a dense layer of fur, Atlantic Walruses are well-adapted to thrive in icy cold waters. They primarily feed on a diet consisting of clams, mollusks, shrimp, and other benthic organisms, using their sensitive whiskers to detect prey on the ocean floor.
Although known as a social species, Atlantic Walruses form large groups referred to as pods or herds. These gatherings can sometimes contain thousands of individuals, with males tending to be larger and heavier than females. Their breeding patterns involve gathering on ice floes, where males exhibit rituals to establish dominance, including bell-like vocalizations, headbutting displays, and tusk displays.
The Atlantic Walrus is an iconic creature of the Arctic environment, but sadly, they are categorized as "near threatened" due to threats such as climate change, hunting, and habitat destruction.
The term "Atlantic Walrus" is a combination of two words: "Atlantic" and "Walrus".
- The word "Atlantic" refers to the Atlantic Ocean, which is the second-largest ocean on Earth. It received its name from the ancient Greek mythological character Atlas, who was said to hold up the heavens. The term "Atlantic" has been in use since the late 14th century to refer to this specific ocean.
- The word "Walrus" is derived from the Old Norse word "rosmhvalr", which means "horse-whale". The Old Norse term later evolved into "hrossvalr" in Old Icelandic and "walrus" in Middle Dutch and Middle Low German. The association with horses likely stems from the walrus' large size and tusks, which somewhat resemble a horse's teeth.