Why is the sea cow so called?

Options

A. Its shape is like cow
B. It has four chambered stomach
C. It moves like cow
D. It feeds on sea weeds & marine grasses.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Understanding the Sea Cow**: The term "sea cow" primarily refers to marine mammals belonging to the order Sirenia, which includes species like manatees and dugongs.

2. **Characteristics of Sea Cows**: Sea cows are large, herbivorous aquatic mammals. They have paddle-like forelimbs, no hind limbs, and a flattened tail. Manatees, one of the most recognized sea cows, have an egg-shaped head and flippers.

3. **Why the Name "Sea Cow"?**: The name "sea cow" is derived from their large size and slow, lolling movement, which is reminiscent of the way cows move on land.

4. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Its shape is like a cow**: This is incorrect; sea cows do not resemble cows in shape.
- **It has a four-chambered stomach**: This is also incorrect; sea cows do not possess a four-chambered stomach like true cows.
- **It moves like a cow**: This is correct; their slow and gentle movement in water is similar to how cows move on land.
- **It feeds on seaweeds and marine grasses**: While this is true, it does not explain why they are called "sea cows."

5. **Conclusion**: The most fitting reason for the name "sea cow" is that they move in a manner similar to cows, hence the answer is "it moves like a cow."