2007-01-29 01:38:04 · 5 answers · asked by Lao Ban 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It makes it easier for them to break the surface for air.
2007-01-29 01:41:59 · answer #1 · answered by Big D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chris, it is simply an evolutionary marvel and quirk. Land animals walk in a manner that, over millions of years, adapted into the propulsion method we now see. Fish naturally evolved this way, while seals, walruses, etc, evolved from an ancestor they share with the dog. Therefore their adaptation from land to sea has transferred their gait into the a horizontal flipper, as you noted.
2007-01-29 09:47:43 · answer #2 · answered by jttyer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only a guess but for the mammals this would aid in getting them to the surface.
were as the fish, it would aid in propelling forward through the water.
2007-01-29 09:43:06 · answer #3 · answered by taffneygreen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is due to evolution. if you look at the bone structure of a whale, they have very similar skeletons to land mammals, which suggests that at one time in history, they were actually a land dwelling species.
Some scientists even theorize that dolphins evolved from a subspecies of Dogs.
2007-01-29 09:48:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i dont know maybey GOD wanted sea mammals to be different or more unique then fishes..one of scientists many wonders lolz
2007-01-29 09:42:20 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋