large sea dwelling mammal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue 'large sea dwelling mammal crossword clue', you've landed on the perfect page. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to conquer your crossword puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "large sea dwelling mammal crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
WHALE: A very large marine mammal with a streamlined body, typically having a blowhole on the top of the head for breathing, making it a primary answer for 'large sea dwelling mammal'.
6 Letters
WALRUS: A large marine mammal of the Arctic seas, noted for its prominent tusks. While semi-aquatic, it spends a significant amount of time in water and fits the 'large sea dwelling mammal' description.
7 Letters
DOLPHIN: A highly intelligent marine mammal of the toothed whale family, known for their playful behavior. While generally smaller than the largest whales, many species are substantial and fit the 'sea dwelling mammal' criteria.
MANATEE: A large, herbivorous, aquatic mammal with a paddle-shaped tail, often called a "sea cow," found in shallow coastal waters. It perfectly fits the 'large sea dwelling mammal' description.
NARWHAL: An arctic whale, the male of which has a long, straight, spirally twisted tusk projecting from its head. A specific type of large sea-dwelling mammal, distinctive for its 'unicorn-like' feature.
More About "large sea dwelling mammal crossword clue"
The term "large sea dwelling mammal" broadly refers to a fascinating group of aquatic animals that spend most, if not all, of their lives in the ocean. This category primarily includes cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses), and sirenians (manatees, dugongs). These creatures have evolved incredible adaptations to thrive in marine environments, from streamlined bodies for efficient swimming to specialized respiratory systems for holding breath underwater.
When you encounter this clue in a crossword, the most common answer is often "WHALE" due to its definitive size and universal recognition as a large sea mammal. However, depending on the number of letters required, other answers like "DOLPHIN," "MANATEE," or even "WALRUS" might be correct, as they are also sizable marine mammals.
Understanding the different types of marine mammals and their general characteristics can give you an edge in solving such clues. Consider the specific nuances of the clue – if it hints at tusks, "WALRUS" is a strong candidate; if it mentions intelligence and playfulness, "DOLPHIN" could be it. Always cross-reference with known letters to confirm your answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Counts Carefully: Always count the spaces or boxes in your crossword grid. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down potential answers, especially for clues like 'large sea dwelling mammal' which can have multiple valid solutions across different lengths.
- Consider Synonyms and Related Terms: Think beyond the most obvious answer. For a clue like this, consider specific types of whales, dolphins, or other marine mammals. Sometimes a less common but equally valid term might be the intended answer.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: The letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues are your best friends. They can quickly eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the correct one for 'large sea dwelling mammal crossword clue'.
- Broaden Your Knowledge: Reading up on general knowledge topics, including natural history and biology, can improve your crossword-solving speed and accuracy for a wide range of clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the largest sea dwelling mammals?
The largest sea dwelling mammal is the blue whale, which can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh over 200 tons. Other exceptionally large marine mammals include fin whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales, all fitting the 'large sea dwelling mammal' description.
Are dolphins considered large sea mammals for crossword clues?
Yes, while generally smaller than the great whales, many dolphin species, such as orcas (killer whales), are substantial in size and often fit the 'large sea dwelling mammal' category in crossword puzzles, especially when the letter count aligns. They are a common answer for such clues.
How can I identify a sea mammal in a crossword clue if I only have a few letters?
Focus on the number of letters provided in the clue and common synonyms or specific types. For 'sea mammal,' common answers include 'WHALE,' 'SEAL,' 'DOLPHIN,' 'MANATEE,' 'WALRUS,' or more specific terms like 'ORCA' or 'NARWHAL.' Cross-reference any known letters from intersecting words to quickly narrow down the possibilities. Also, consider the overall theme of the puzzle if it's a themed crossword.