Human Inventions and Manatee Adaptations Directions: Match the manatees's needs with a human invention that allows us to do what manatees do naturally. (Use the list of human inventions below, or think up your own!) Manatee Need Human Invention 1. Holds breath underwater for up to 20 minutes while resting.   2. New teeth grow throughout life--"marching molars"   3. "Grab" and eat aquatic plants with prehensile lips   4. Solid bones for ballast, no marrow in ribs   5. Each breath replaces 90%+ of air in lungs-far more than other mammals   6.Nostrils open and close like a valve   7. Migrates long distances in water   8.Lungs run lengthwise along almost entire length of body for floatation.   9.Communicate underwater   10.Can eat 10%-15% of their own body weight in vegetation each day.   List of Human Inventions A.Telephone B. Noseplugs C. Oxygen tank D. Boats E. SCUBA tank F. Toothpaste, floss, Dentures, visits to the Dentist and Orthodontist, tooth implants, crowns. G. Weight belts for SCUBA suit H. Smorgasbord Buffet I. Knife and fork and other eating utensils J.Life preserver or floatation suit. Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form