What is the major dietary composition of the walrus, despite their opportunistic feeding habits?
Answer
Bivalves like clams, mussels, and sea snails
The foundation of the walrus diet relies heavily on benthic invertebrates found on the seafloor. Specifically, they consume large volumes of bivalves, which include various species of clams and mussels, as well as sea snails. An adult walrus must process a substantial amount of material—potentially tens of thousands of clams annually—to satisfy its high energy demands. While they are opportunistic feeders and occasionally prey on seals, especially younger or slower ones near ice edges, this predation constitutes only a minor fraction of their total caloric intake. Their feeding strategy is directly dictated by the need to access these bottom-dwelling organisms.
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