Why do sea otters have large sensitive whiskers?

Sea otters have large sensitive whiskers to help them navigate and find food in their underwater environment. These whiskers, known as vibrissae, are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. They are located on the sea otter's face, around the eyes, nostrils, and mouth, and can grow up to several inches long.

Sea otters have poor eyesight both in and out of the water, so they rely heavily on their whiskers to navigate and hunt. The whiskers act as sensors, detecting subtle changes in water pressure and currents. This allows sea otters to pinpoint the location of prey, even in murky or dark waters.

The whiskers also help sea otters identify different textures and objects. For example, sea otters will use their whiskers to detect and investigate kelp, sea urchins, and other types of food. The sensitive touch receptors at the base of the whiskers send signals to the sea otter's brain, providing information about the size, shape, and texture of an object.

Additionally, sea otters use their whiskers to explore their surroundings and communicate with other sea otters. By moving their whiskers back and forth, they can detect objects and obstacles in their path, avoid predators, and interact with other members of their community.

The large sensitive whiskers of sea otters serve as their primary means of navigating, hunting, and interacting with their environment. They are vital to the sea otter's survival and success in the wild.