Enhydra is a unique word that is spelled in a very specific way. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is ɛnˈhaɪdrə. The "en" is pronounced as "en" and "hydra" is pronounced as "high-dra". The stress on the syllables is placed on the "ha" sound in "hydra". This word is not commonly used in everyday language, but it refers to a genus of aquatic mammals, including the sea otter. Its spelling is important for those studying marine biology or animal science.
Enhydra is a noun that refers to a genus of otters within the family Mustelidae. The term is derived from the Greek words "en" meaning "in" or "inside" and "hydor" meaning "water." Enhydra is commonly known as the sea otter.
Sea otters are marine mammals that inhabit the coastal areas of the northern and eastern Pacific Ocean. They have a streamlined body, thick fur, and webbed feet, making them well-adapted to life in the water. Enhydra species are among the smallest marine mammals, with an average length of about 4 feet (1.2 meters) and weighing around 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Their fur is highly valued for its warmth and density.
Sea otters are excellent swimmers and divers, spending most of their lives in the water. They have several anatomical adaptations that allow them to thrive in their marine habitat, including a high metabolic rate to maintain body temperature in cold water. Enhydra primarily feed on a diet of shellfish, especially sea urchins, and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling the populations of these organisms.
Once hunted extensively for their fur, enhydra species have faced significant declines in their population. However, conservation efforts, including protected areas and regulations on fur trade, have contributed to the recovery of sea otter numbers in some regions.
The word enhydra has Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek words en meaning in or within, and hydra meaning water. Therefore, enhydra can be understood as within water or in the water.