Pronunciation: [sˈiː ˈɒtəz] (IPA) 
The word "Sea Otters" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription system as /si ˈɔtərz/. The first syllable "sea" is pronounced as /si/, with a long "e" sound followed by the phoneme /s/. The second part of the word, "otters," is pronounced as /ˈɔtərz/, with a short "o" sound followed by the phoneme /t/ and then the plural marker /z/. The spelling of "Sea Otters" accurately reflects the English pronunciation of the word.
Sea otters are semi-aquatic mammals that belong to the Mustelidae family and the Enhydra genus. They are known for their unique adaptations for living in marine environments, primarily along the coastal areas of the northern Pacific Ocean. A dictionary definition of sea otters would describe them as small, furry mammals characterized by dense, water-repellent fur, a streamlined body, and webbed feet.
Sea otters are the smallest marine mammals, with males usually weighing between 50-100 pounds and measuring around 4 feet in length. They have distinct features, such as a round head, short snout, small ears, and large, expressive brown eyes. They also possess a broad, muscular tail and elongated front paws, specially adapted for propelling themselves through water with great agility and speed.
Their dense fur, consisting of guard hairs and an underlayer of insulating fur, provides excellent protection against cold waters. Sea otters frequently groom themselves, using their paws to distribute natural oils from specialized glands, which help to maintain the fur's water-repellent properties.
Sea otters are mainly carnivorous and feed primarily on a diverse diet, including shellfish, sea urchins, crabs, fish, and various other marine invertebrates. Their diet is an essential component of maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems, especially kelp forests, as they play a crucial role in controlling and maintaining populations of certain prey species.
Due to significant historical hunting, sea otters have faced severe population declines, resulting in their classification as an endangered species. Conservation efforts have been initiated to protect and recover sea otter populations, involving habitat preservation, reintroduction programs, and enforcement of hunting regulations.
The word "sea otters" originates from Old English and Middle English. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Sea: The word "sea" comes from the Old English word "sǣ", which means "a large body of saltwater". This term has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
2. Otters: The word "otters" comes from the Old English word "oter", which refers to the animal itself. This term is also of Germanic origin and has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Old High German "ottar" and Old Norse "ótr".
Therefore, combining these two words, "sea otters" refers to the otters that inhabit the sea or coastal areas and has been used to describe these marine mammals for centuries.
