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Order Sirenia


Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Sub-kingdom Eumetazoa
Sub-sub-kingdom Bilateria
Metaphylum Enterocoelous Coelomates
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Mammalia
Subclass Theria
Infraclass Eutheria

Order Sirenia

This order contains the manatees and dugongs. They are marine herbivores. The pectoral limbs are paddle-like, and the pelvic limbs have been lost. The large, horizontally flattened tail is used in propulsion. Greek: seiren, a sea nymph that lured mariners to their death. (Dorit et al, 1991)