GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Grooming is the way otters force air bubbles next to their skin. These air bubbles act as insulation for warmth and provide buoyancy. Just the thing that’s called for, before wrapping up in a blanket of kelp and joining others for a mid-morning nap.

Detailed explanation-2: -The guard hairs are hollow and have scales, almost like a snake’s scales. They help keep densely packed finer hairs – called underfur – dry. The underfur has a scaly surface also, which helps them lock together to keep out water. The otter’s hairs are also very oily, which makes water slide off instead of soak in.

Detailed explanation-3: -Researchers have observed sea otters spending at least 11% to 48% of their day grooming. They use their paws and claws to remove debris and to comb their fur. They may also aerate their fur by blowing air into it and beating the water with their feet to whip it into foam.

Detailed explanation-4: -How do sea otters protect themselves? Sea otters have three basic ways to escape predators: fleeing; taking refuge in the kelp where they live; and coming up on land. They also have strong teeth they can use in interactions with other sea otters.