User:Ian (Wiki Ed)/notes/marine mammals

General characteristics of a good article about marine mammals

= from WikiProject Animals/Article template = I have added notes within each section that are specific to marine mammals

For species, the taxobox template might be: Taxobox template

Anatomy and morphology
Sometimes "Anatomy and physiology" or "Description". For whales, this often includes a description of their size. Diving adaptions, breathing, and thermoregulation might also be discussed here.

Ecology and behavior
Alternately, this can be "Behaviour and life history" and can include the following sections ("Diet" and "Reproduction"). Social structure and vocalizations can be discussed here, as can intelligence. "Ecology" is frequently a separate section.

Diet
Few of the existing marine mammal FAs or GAs include a separate section on diet - most seem to discuss it Behaviour or Ecology

Reproduction
Again, this seems to frequently be discussed as a subsection of Behaviour.

Etymology
Only included when there's something noteworthy to say about it. I'm actually surprised to see it so far down in the article outline - in my experience it's usually one of the first sections.

Subspecies
Again, I'm surprised to see this quite this far down in their recommended outline - it's usually one of the first sections in existing FAs and GAs.

Distribution
Sometimes included under "Ecology"

Conservation status
Existing FAs and GAs often "Human relations"/"Interactions with humans"/"Relationships with humans" section. Things like hunting and conservation are often discussed here. In addition, subsections can include "Cultural depictions", "In captivity", "Zoos and aquariums" and "Whale watching".

Featured articles

 * Blue whale
 * Fin whale
 * Humpback whale
 * Killer whale
 * Right whale
 * Sei whale
 * Pinniped
 * Sea otter

Good articles

 * Polar bear
 * Sperm whale
 * Walrus
 * Bottlenose dolphin
 * California sea lion
 * Dugong