Other living members of the Order Sirenia are found in aquatic habitats similar to that of the West Indian manatee. Because of their herbivorous nature, all are found in relatively shallow waters where sunlight can penetrate and stimulate plant growth. The Amazonian manatee lives exclusively in inland, freshwater areas, while the dugong prefers coastal and marine ecosystems. Although little is known about the West Indian manatee, it also inhabits tropical and subtropical waters. The only sirenian species to inhabit cold waters was Steller's sea cow, hunted to extinction within 27 years of its discovery in 1741 in the Bering Strait.

Activities Is the West Indian manatee more closely related to the dugong or to the Amazonian manatee? How can you tell? Is the extinct Steller's sea cow more closely related to the dugong or to the West Indian manatee? How do you know? Name two species that are in the same genus. Name two genera that are in the same family. Which of the five sirenian species has the widest range? Which species of Sirena has the most southerly range? The description of the West African manatee suggests that it very closely resembles the West Indian manatee. Looking at the world map, how could the resemblance between species separated by the Atlantic Ocean support the theory of continental drift?

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