What physiological process causes the walrus skin to appear pink or reddish when they haul out?
Answer
Vaso-dilation
The skin coloration of the walrus is highly dynamic and directly influenced by its immediate thermal condition, which is mediated by changes in peripheral blood flow. When the animal is submerged in the frigid Arctic ocean water, blood flow near the surface is restricted, a process known as peripheral vaso-constriction, which makes the animal look pale, nearly ghostly gray or white. Conversely, when the walrus hauls itself out of the water and begins to warm up, vaso-dilation occurs. This relaxation of the peripheral blood vessels brings blood much closer to the skin surface, resulting in the temporary appearance of pink or reddish hues, often described as a temporary sunburn effect across the exposed skin.
Related Questions
What family classification does the walrus, *Odobenus rosmarus*, belong to?What primary function is ruled out for the walrus tusks based on abrasion analysis?What physiological process causes the walrus skin to appear pink or reddish when they haul out?How small a thickness can the walrus vibrissae differentiate shapes by?Which group's swimming propulsion method do walruses resemble when moving underwater?What is the approximate maximum weight reached by a Pacific walrus bull?What critical limb rotation allows walruses to walk or clamber across land or ice?What is the maximum known length for the male walrus baculum, or penis bone?What supplementary role do the male walrus pharyngeal pouches serve beyond vocal displays?What does the Greek root of the species name *Odobenus* mean, relating to a physical feature?