California sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal on Earth, allowing them to live in cold water even though they don’t have blubber like whales.
With up to a million hairs per inch, the super-soft coats were once such a lure for hunters that they nearly led to the otters’ demise in the early 1900s. But now, the federally protected species is free to use its luxurious fur for one key purpose: to keep warm in the often chilly Pacific Ocean, particularly during winter months.
But, as this video in the PBS Deep Look series explains, it is not just the fur’s density that keeps out the cold. Scanning electron microscope images show that each hair is coated with barbed scales that allow the fur to form a nearly waterproof layer.
Originally published by Cosmos as How sea otter fur is perfectly designed
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
