Name: Arron
Status: student
Grade: 12+
Location: Outside U.S.
Country: United Kingdom
Date: Summer 2012
Question:
We have noticed lately an increased population of sealions inside the lakes/lochs of scotland. We were under the impression that sea lions could only live in salt water, with the ability to survive in fresh water for a length of time. Could sea lions have evolved the ability to live in fresh water and chosen to invade the lochs?
Replies:
That is highly possible. Sea lions have a way to eliminate the excess salt they take in by food consumption. In fresh water they wouldn't need to do this. I work at a zoo and our California sea lions are only in fresh water.
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