What specialized sensory arrays allow walruses to locate buried prey?
Answer
Vibrissae
The walrus possesses highly specialized whiskers known as vibrissae, which serve a critical sensory function during foraging. These vibrissae function as sophisticated sensory arrays located on their snout. They are instrumental in detecting and locating prey, such as buried clams, even when the water is murky or completely dark. This tactile sense allows the walrus to precisely map the seafloor environment and identify the exact location of the benthic invertebrates they consume.
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