Answer:

1 Dugongs are warm-blooded sea animals. They are commonly

known as “sea cows” because of their fondness for grazing on

underwater sea grass. They are the only aquatic herbivorous

mammals because they feed on plants exclusively.

2 What makes it more interesting is that dugongs are more

closely related to elephants than to other marine mammals like whales, dolphins, or

seals.

3 Dugongs swim using their whale-like tail and use their front flippers for balance and

turning. They are often called as gentle giants as they move slow yet graceful. Another

trait that makes them different from dolphins and whales is their ability to hold their

breath for more than fifteen minutes.

4 These enormous vegetarians have a trunk-like flexible upper lip, thick skin covered

with bristles, and nails on their forelimbs and replaceable teeth. They can weigh

approximately 400 kilograms and grow up to three meters long. They can reach the age

of 70.

5 Dugongs can be found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Sadly, they are in danger in many parts of the world. Populations that once flourished

around India, Africa and other tropical islands in the Indian Ocean are now endangered

due to degradation or loss of habitat---the sea grass.

6 Large populations of dugongs still inhabits in the coastal of Australia since they are

protected by the law.