noun
- large aquatic mammals including manatees and dugongs, characterized by paddle-like flippers and herbivorous diet
Usage: zoological term; plural form
Examples
- Sirenians are gentle marine mammals that feed on seagrass.
- The Florida manatee is one of the most well-known sirenians.
- Conservation efforts focus on protecting sirenians from boat strikes.
- Sirenians evolved from land mammals millions of years ago.
- Marine biologists study sirenians in their natural habitats.
- Both dugongs and manatees belong to the order of sirenians.