DUGONG DUGONG Meaning and
Definition
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Dugong dugong, commonly known as the dugong, is a large marine mammal belonging to the family Dugongidae. It is recognized for its unique appearance and is often referred to as the "sea cow" due to its herbivorous diet and slow-moving nature. The dugong is the only surviving species in its family and is closely related to manatees.
In terms of physical characteristics, the dugong has a robust body covered in thick, tough skin that varies in color from gray to brown. It typically reaches lengths of around 3 to 4 meters and can weigh up to 900 kilograms. Recognizable features include a horizontally flattened fluke tail, paddle-like flippers, and a snout with enamel-covered tusks.
Dugongs reside in coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various seagrasses, which they consume in large quantities. These marine mammals are well adapted for underwater life, often remaining submerged for extended periods and utilizing their muscular tails for propulsion.
Due to their dependence on seagrass habitats, dugongs are considered vulnerable and face numerous threats including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets. Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect and restore their habitats, as well as limit human activities that negatively impact their populations.
Overall, Dugong dugong is a fascinating creature that serves as an important indicator of the health of coastal marine ecosystems and demands conservation attention to ensure its survival.
Common Misspellings for DUGONG DUGONG
- sugong dugong
- xugong dugong
- cugong dugong
- fugong dugong
- rugong dugong
- eugong dugong
- dygong dugong
- dhgong dugong
- djgong dugong
- digong dugong
- d8gong dugong
- d7gong dugong
- dufong dugong
- duvong dugong
- dubong dugong
- duhong dugong
- duyong dugong
- dutong dugong
- duging dugong
- dugkng dugong
Etymology of DUGONG DUGONG
The word "Dugong dugong" is actually a scientific name for a marine mammal known as the dugong. The etymology of this name can be traced back to the Malayan language.
The word "Dugong" is believed to have its roots in the Malay language, specifically from the word "duyung", which means "lady of the sea" or "mermaid". This is possibly because of the dugong's aquatic nature and the folklore surrounding it.
The repetition of "Dugong" in the scientific name "Dugong dugong" is a standard practice in taxonomy. The repetition signifies the genus and species names respectively.
It's important to note that the word "Dugong" is used colloquially as a common name for this animal as well.
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