marine mammal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "marine mammal", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to quickly complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "marine mammal crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SEAL: A common pinniped known for its sleek body and flippers, often seen near coastlines.
5 Letters
WHALE: A large aquatic mammal, part of the cetacean order, known for living entirely in water.
OTTER: A playful, semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal often found in both fresh and saltwater environments.
6 Letters
WALRUS: A large, tusked pinniped found in Arctic waters, distinctive for its long ivory tusks.
7 Letters
DOLPHIN: An intelligent, toothed cetacean known for its agility and often social behavior in marine environments.
MANATEE: A large, gentle, slow-moving aquatic mammal, also known as a sea cow, found in warm coastal waters.
NARWHAL: An Arctic whale famous for its single long, spiral tusk, often called the 'unicorn of the sea'.
8 Letters
PORPOISE: A small, toothed whale, similar to a dolphin but with a more rounded head and spadelike teeth.
More About "marine mammal crossword clue"
Marine mammals are a fascinating and diverse group of animals, perfectly suited to life in the ocean. This broad category includes well-known creatures like whales, dolphins, and seals, as well as lesser-known species such as manatees, sea otters, and polar bears. For crossword enthusiasts, "marine mammal" is a common clue that can have a variety of answers, making it essential to consider the length of the word and any additional hints provided in the puzzle.
The term encompasses mammals that have adapted to aquatic life, displaying features like flippers, streamlined bodies, and blubber for insulation. Understanding the different groups—such as cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses), sirenians (manatees, dugongs), and marine fissipeds (sea otters, polar bears)—can greatly assist in narrowing down the possibilities when you encounter this clue in a crossword puzzle.
When you see "marine mammal" as a clue, think about the most common examples first, then expand your knowledge to include more unique species if the letter count dictates. Our comprehensive list above should provide you with all the possible answers you need for any given puzzle!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in your crossword grid. This immediately narrows down the possible answers for "marine mammal" significantly.
- Consider Commonality: Crosswords often favour more common animals. For "marine mammal," answers like SEAL, WHALE, and DOLPHIN are typically preferred over more obscure ones, unless specified by a unique detail in the clue.
- Look for Specific Clues: Sometimes the clue might offer a subtle hint, such as "arctic marine mammal" (NARWHAL, WALRUS) or "gentle sea cow" (MANATEE). These specific details are crucial for precise answers.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These letters are your most reliable guide to confirming the correct marine mammal answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of marine mammals in crosswords?
Common answers for 'marine mammal' in crosswords include SEAL, WHALE, DOLPHIN, OTTER, and sometimes less common ones like MANATEE or WALRUS, depending on the clue's specific hint and length.
How do I identify a marine mammal in a crossword clue?
Look for keywords in the clue such as 'ocean,' 'sea,' 'aquatic,' 'water-dwelling,' or descriptions of features like 'flippers,' 'blowhole,' 'tusks,' or 'sirenian.' The context provided by surrounding letters is also crucial.
Are all aquatic animals considered marine mammals for crossword purposes?
No, for crossword puzzles (and biology!), marine mammals are a specific group of mammals that primarily live in the ocean. This excludes fish, amphibians, reptiles (like sea turtles), and birds (like penguins), even though they live in water. The key is the 'mammal' classification.