In what specific seas might clams constitute over 90 percent of the walrus annual diet?
Answer
Bering and Chukchi Seas
Walruses exhibit highly specialized foraging habits in specific productive regions. Within the Bering and Chukchi Seas, the benthic communities are so rich in shellfish that clams can become the overwhelming dietary staple for walruses inhabiting those areas. In these specific geographical locations, consumption data indicates that clams may comprise upwards of 90 percent of the walrus population's annual diet. This highlights the regional specialization of their feeding ecology tied directly to the abundance of specific bivalve beds on the continental shelves.
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