This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What can we infer from this statement?

“Since every child I know likes ice cream, Mike must also like ice cream.”

A)   The speaker doesn’t know many children.

B)   Mike is a child.

C)   Mike likes anything sweet.

D)   The speaker is a good friend of Mike.

E)   The speaker saw Mike eat ice cream.

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Found along the North American Pacific coastline, the sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family (mustelidae).  Some of their relatives include other carnivorous mammals such as badgers, wolverines, weasels, and river otters.

Here are a few quick facts about the smart and playful sea otter:

• Length:  4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m)
• Weight:  averages 65 pounds (30 kg)
• Lifespan:  up to 20 years or more
• Diet:  carnivore (fish, shellfish, clams, mussels, sea urchins)

While cute and fun-loving, sea otters are fierce fish hunters with a high level of expertise.  Armed with sharp teeth and a powerful bite, they manage to consume the daily equivalent of 25-40 percent of their body weight.  This allows them to stay warm as they live in the cold waters of the ocean’s coastal areas.

Sea otters are effective swimmers, and many can stay submerged underwater for up to five minutes.  Their extra large lung capacity allows for this.  They lack blubber under their fur, but several layers of very dense fur keeps them protected from the harsh elements.

Most sea otters spend their entire lives in the water.  They frequently build floating rafts of kelp and stay together in groups called a romp or a raft.  Wrapping themselves in seaweed helps to keep every member close.  Many will snooze while floating on their backs.

Sea otters are labeled as an endangered species with domestic and international laws protecting them.  There are numerous species of otters found around the globe.

top left:  single sea otter.  top right: pair of sea otters and another sleeping.  bottom:  group of sea otters called a romp or raft.   (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

(B)   Mike is a child.