The primary objective of this research is to thoroughly describe the main neuroanatomical characteristics of the brain of the Florida manatee in order to understand how this endangered species experiences its environment and why it behaves as it does. The manatee's habitat is being degraded at an alarming rate, and it may become extinct within the next 2 decades. This aquatic herbivore belongs to a unique Order of mammals (Sirenia) and is closely related to elephants and hyraxes. Its brain is relatively small, unlike those of porpoises and seals; externally, the manatee brain appears to be relatively simple in appearance in keeping with is its behavior. However, research from this laboratory has shown different parts of the manatee brain are quite elaborately organized, suggesting a high degree of complexity. Some brain areas are common to all mammals, while others are unique to the manatee. Ongoing research involves the completion of analysis of the manatee brain and the publication of two major manuscripts to describe and portray all of the important external and internal features of the entire manatee brain. Comparison of the manatee brain with those of several other mammals will provide clues about the anatomical basis of the manatee's unusual sensorimotor activities, as well as the evolutionary relationships of the manatee with other mammalian species.
