The dugong, often called the sea cow, is a fascinating marine mammal inhabiting the warm coastal waters of the Indian Pacific Ocean. With their large, torpedo-shaped body and paddle-shaped flippers, the dugong is often compared to its distant relative, the manatee, yet possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart. While they may resemble whales or dolphins by their fluked tail and more dolphin-like snouts, dugongs are more closely related to elephants. The breathtaking fact about dugongs is that they are one of the only vegetarian marine mammals, feeding exclusively on seagrasses that grow in shallow coastal waters. Known for its slow, graceful movements in the water, the dugong spends up to 6 hours per day grazing on seagrass, profoundly influencing the health and diversity of coastal ecosystems.
One of the most intriguing aspects of dugongs is their deep emotional lives. These sensitive creatures are known for forming strong bonds with one another and exhibiting complex social behaviours. In particular, female dugongs have been observed nurturing and caring for their young with remarkable tenderness, emphasizing the depth of familial relationships within this species. Moreover, dugongs are known to be highly vocal animals, using a diverse range of calls and sounds to communicate with each other in ways that still hold many mysteries for researchers. Their shy nature and preference for secluded habitats make them elusive even to seasoned marine biologists.
One of the most interesting aspects of dugongs is their close relationship with humans throughout history. Dugongs are essential to indigenous cultures in their native habitats, serving as symbols of connection to the natural world and sources of inspiration for traditional art, medicine and folklore. As ocean conservation efforts continue to gain momentum, recognizing the ecological importance of protecting dugong habitats is crucial for ensuring the survival of these enigmatic creatures.
Dugongs face numerous threats today due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, hunting and boat strikes. Efforts must be made to protect these majestic creatures through conservation measures that safeguard their habitats and reduce human-induced risks.
Sea cows
Dugong Dugon
7-11 feet
230-420 kg
60-70 years
The scientific name of the dugong, Dugong dugon, is as fascinating as the marine mammal itself. This majestic sea creature, also known as the sea cow, belongs to the family Dugongidae and the order Sirenia and is closely related to manatees. Its unique scientific name reflects its distinctive characteristics and evolutionary lineage. The genus Dugong derives from the Malay word duyung, which means lady of the sea, aptly capturing the graceful nature of these gentle giants. The specific epithet duyung further emphasizes its distinctiveness within the animal kingdom.
Furthermore, delving into the etymology of its scientific name unveils a deeper connection with ancient civilizations and folklore. The origin of the term dugong can be traced back to various cultures where it has been revered and depicted in myths and legends. Exploring this historical context adds an alluring dimension to our understanding of this enigmatic species.
Dugongs, often referred to as sea cows, are intriguing marine mammals with some incredible facts and features.
The appearance and anatomy of the dugong, also known as the sea cow, is a remarkable testament to evolution's adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle. Their large, streamlined, torpedo-shaped body, dark grey to brownish-grey thick-wrinkled skin, downturned mouth, paddle-shaped flippers, fluked tail and a lack of dorsal fin dugongs are easily distinguishable from other sea creatures. Their strong lips, elongated-rotund snouts and bristled moustache-like whiskers give them a unique appearance that sets them apart from other marine creatures. Dugongs can grow up to 11 feet in length but they grow to a maximum length of 13 feet also and weigh as much as 900 kilograms, making them the largest herbivorous marine mammal. Dugongs are often mistaken for manatees due to their similar appearance, but they can be distinguished by their dolphin-like snouts and their unique tail fluke, which is similar in shape to that of a whale. Furthermore, their lack of dorsal fins sets them apart from similar marine species like dolphins or whales. It contributes to their overall sleek physique designed for agile movement within their coastal habitats.
Their bodies are well-adapted for a life in the water, with thick blubber to help regulate body temperature and streamline shape for efficient swimming. Their powerful, front flippers resemble small rounded paddles, enabling them to navigate through underwater seagrass meadows where they feed. Additionally, unlike other marine mammals like seals or sea lions, dugongs lack hind limbs and use their powerful tail fluke for propulsion through the coastal water with ease, reaching speeds of up to 8 miles per hour. This distinct anatomical feature allows them to gracefully manoeuvre across vast ocean spaces with immense efficiency. Its smooth, grey-brown skin is sparsely covered in short-bristly hairs which aid in sensing its surroundings and detecting changes in water currents and also provide camouflage against the ocean floor. Additionally, their nostrils are located at the top of their heads so they can breathe while swimming just below the surface.
One aspect of the dugong's anatomy that often surprises people is its unique molar-like teeth. Unlike other marine mammals, dugongs do not have teeth in their upper jaw, but instead possess an array of tough, horny plates used for grinding up seagrasses, their primary source of food. These teeth continue to grow throughout their lives and can vary in size and shape among individuals. This gentle giant primarily forages on seagrass meadows in shallow coastal waters, consuming up to 40 kilograms of seagrass daily. Their strong-split, flexible upper lips and broad-tapered snout that resembles a vacuum cleaner nozzle, grab and extract the seagrass beds from the ocean floor while using their tongue to tear off bites before swallowing which they carefully select by their bristle-like moustache. This specialized feeding adaptation reflects not only the creature's physical form but also its crucial ecological role as a keystone species in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Additionally, they have evolved into powerful pelvic bones which aid in stabilizing their body and facilitating graceful movement underwater. Overall, the appearance and anatomy of the dugong reflect millions of years of successful adaptation to living life in shallow coastal waters and feeding on underwater vegetation—a true marvel of evolution.
Taking a closer look at this gentle marine mammal’s physical attributes reveals a fascinating blend of evolutionary adaptations that enable it to thrive in its unique habitat. The elongated shape of their bodies allows them to move gracefully through shallow waters in search of sustenance while minimizing resistance from currents. Furthermore, their large lungs and efficient respiratory systems have evolved to support extended periods underwater - an impressive technique for surviving in coastal ecosystems. Another notable anatomical attribute is its simple stomach structure but an elongated gut that accommodates microbial fermentation to break down tough plant material. This unique digestive system enables the dugong to thrive on a diet primarily consisting of seagrasses, maintaining its health in its coastal habitat. Indeed, when considering both form and function, the appearance and anatomy of these creatures offer valuable insights into nature's ability to shape life according to specific environmental demands.
The dugong, a gentle marine mammal also known as the sea cow, is primarily found in shallow coastal waters within the Indo-Pacific region. Their habitat ranges from tropical and subtropical waters, making them highly adaptable creatures. Despite its herbivorous diet and slow-moving nature, this enigmatic creature plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems, as it grazes on these vital underwater plants. They can live in saltwater environments, including seagrass meadows, lagoons, coral reefs, bays and estuaries, preferring areas with calm and protected environments, where they can easily access their main source of food - seagrasses. Its distribution is closely linked to the presence of seagrass meadows, which provide both food and shelter for these gentle giants. It's fascinating to note that their habitats often overlap with areas inhabited by humans, leading to potential conflicts due to habitat degradation and boat strikes.
One fascinating aspect of the dugong's distribution is its close association with certain cultural beliefs and practices in indigenous communities. For example, in Australia's Torres Strait Islands and northern Queensland, Indigenous cultures have deep spiritual connections with dugongs and view them as totemic animals. This unique relationship has shaped these communities' traditional hunting practices and resource management strategies.
Dugongs are known to have a wide distribution within this region, from warm coastal areas of East Africa to Australia, the Arabian Peninsula and the Pacific islands, encompassing regions such as Madagascar, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and Micronesia. Dugongs play a vital role in ecosystem balance by maintaining the health of seagrass beds through their feeding activities. Their distribution is heavily influenced by the availability of seagrass beds, which provide both food and shelter for these magnificent creatures. These creatures are incredibly adept swimmers and have been known to travel long distances during migration seasons, capable of reaching speeds up to 15 miles per hour when necessary. However, despite their wide distribution range, dugongs are relatively sparse in numbers due to habitat loss and human activities such as hunting and entanglement in fishing gear.
The Dugong, also known as the sea cow, is one of the only four extant species in the order Sirenia. These gentle giants can be found in warm coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around East Africa and Australia. There are three recognized species of dugong:
Each subspecies has distinct characteristics that enable them to thrive in their respective habitats.
The Indian Ocean Dugong, found in coastal waters from East Africa to Vanuatu and northern Australia, has a stocky body and a unique tusk-like incisor tooth. This subspecies primarily inhabits seagrass meadows and lagoons, where it feeds on seagrass and algae.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Dugong is found in the coastal waters of northern Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef and Southern Papua New Guinea. It has a slender body compared to its relatives and possesses small acorn-like molar teeth for grinding vegetation. This species is often spotted in shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and bays where seagrass beds are abundant.
Lastly, the Red Sea Dugong is smaller in size and predominantly inhabits mangrove areas and seagrass meadows along the coast of the Red Sea and adjacent waters, has adaptations such as curved tusks for rooting through sandy sediments to unearth hidden food sources. The Red Sea dugong has adapted to survive in warmer water environments with higher salinity levels around the coasts of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Djibouti and Israel.
All three subspecies share similar physical characteristics such as a streamlined body, paddle-shaped flippers and a fluked tail for propulsion through water, a herbivorous diet consisting mainly of seagrass, slow reproductive rates with long gestation periods and dependence on warm tropical waters close to the shore, where seagrass meadows provide ample food and protection from predators but they differ slightly in size and genetic makeup due to their geographic isolation.
Dugongs are well-adapted to a marine lifestyle and they have a unique body structure with paddle-like flippers and a tail fluke resembling that of a whale. Their main habitat includes seagrass meadows, where they spend most of their time grazing on underwater plants. Their unique characteristics include constantly regenerating teeth, which allow them to efficiently munch on the tough seagrass. With their unique feeding habit—they use their strong muscular lips to grasp and uproot the seagrass bed from the ocean floors and chomp down with their tough peg-like teeth. Their rounded snout with bristled whiskers are used for sensing their environment while feeding on seagrasses in shallow coastal habitats. As herbivores, dugongs rely heavily on seagrass for food and can consume up to 40 kilograms of it per day. They are well-known for their solitary nature but also congregate in small groups during mating seasons or around rich feeding grounds. With a lifespan of up to 70 years, these gentle giants can grow up to 11 feet in length and weigh over 900 kilograms. Despite their size, they are graceful swimmers, able to reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour when necessary. One intriguing trait of these seafaring mammals is their ability to hold their breath for up to six minutes when diving for food, making them perfectly adapted to their aquatic environment. The unique characteristics of each subspecies underscore their adaptability to specific environmental conditions within their respective ranges but also highlight their vulnerability to habitat loss due to human activities such as coastal development and pollution.
In terms of habitats, dugongs prefer warm coastal waters with abundant seagrass vegetation such as mangrove forests and coral reefs as they are crucial for their survival. These gentle giants are often spotted in areas with clear water such as bays, lagoons, channels and estuaries where seagrasses thrive. However, due to habitat loss and human activities such as coastal development and pollution, their habitats are becoming increasingly threatened.
The diet of the dugong, often referred to as sea cow, consists primarily of seagrass, with around 60 different species being documented as part of their diet. Unlike other marine mammals such as dolphins or whales, they are strictly herbivorous and often forage in warm shallow coastal waters where they feed on seagrass beds and other soft seagrass species. In addition to seagrass, dugongs may feed on algae and other marine plant life depending on availability and environmental conditions.
This marine mammal can consume up to 88 pounds of seagrass in a single day, using its specialized, strong-split, flexible upper lips to grab and uproot the vegetation from the ocean floor and they use their bristle-like teeth to graze on seagrass beds which they carefully select by their snout and bristle-like moustache. They have a unique respiratory system that allows them to stay submerged for extended periods, enabling them to feed on seagrass at depths of up to 39 meters. Despite its herbivorous diet and slow-moving nature, this enigmatic creature plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems, as it grazes on these vital underwater plants.
As for its prey, the dugong doesn't actively hunt other animals due to its herbivorous nature. However, it may inadvertently ingest small invertebrates, such as worms, jellyfish, sea squirts, shellfish and molluscs, while feeding on seagrass. This behaviour suggests a flexible approach to obtaining essential nutrients when needed. Dugongs in Moreton Bay, Australia, are omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates such as polychaetes or marine algae when the supply of their choice grasses decreases. Interestingly, while it may seem that dugongs have a limited diet, they can modify their feeding behaviour based on the availability and quality of seagrass in different locations. Despite being large creatures that could potentially be predators themselves, dugongs are gentle herbivores with an important role in preserving the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.
The behaviour and lifestyle of the dugong, also known as the sea cow, is a fascinating subject that highlights the complex interplay between these marine mammals and their environment. Dugongs are herbivorous creatures that spend most of their time feeding on seagrass in shallow coastal waters and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems through grazing. Their slow pace of life revolves around grazing for up to 8 hours a day and can consume up to 40 kilograms of these plants daily due to their herbivorous diet.
These mammals are known for their graceful underwater movements, often gliding through the water with ease using their powerful flippers and strong fluked tails. Despite their large size, dugongs are surprisingly agile and can even perform acrobatic manoeuvres such as barrel rolls. Additionally, they are capable of reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour when necessary. Their peaceful and solitary nature sets them apart from other marine species, as they prefer to live alone or travel in small groups or herds, displaying a calmer demeanour compared to more social marine mammals like dolphins. They can dive for extended periods, often reaching depths of around 39 feet and can stay submerged while holding their breath for up to 6 minutes at a time. Furthermore, despite spending most of their lives underwater, dugongs need to regularly come up for air due to being mammals - providing researchers with opportunities to study their behaviour at the surface.
Their lifestyle is intricately tied to coastal environments, as they rely on the nutrient-rich waters near the shore for feeding and breeding. Dugongs are known for their solitary nature, although they can sometimes form loose aggregations while feeding or during mating season. In addition to their solitary habits, dugongs also boast a remarkable ability for long-distance migration. They have been known to travel hundreds of kilometres in search of suitable feeding grounds and breeding areas, showcasing their remarkable navigational skills and adaptability to different environments. They are highly social animals and have strong social bonds within small family groups, which consist of mothers and their calves. Female dugongs care for their offspring extensively, nursing them for up to 18 months and remaining close until the young reach sexual maturity. Additionally, these gentle giants have unique vocalizations used for communication with one another and navigating their surroundings, contributing to a complex social structure within their populations.
Interestingly, female dugongs have a remarkable reproductive cycle that aligns with seasonal changes in their environment. Their long lifespan, which can exceed 70 years, allows them to develop intricate social structures within their communities. The slow rate of reproduction coupled with threats such as habitat degradation and accidental entanglement in fishing gear, makes conservation efforts crucial for ensuring the survival of this gentle marine mammal. Despite being elusive creatures, dugongs exhibit curious behaviour towards humans at times, making them a subject of wonder and fascination among marine enthusiasts.
The reproduction, babies, and lifespan of dugongs are topics that shed light on the intricate nature of these gentle marine mammals. Dugongs are known for their slow reproductive rates and having a single calf every 3-7 years. With females they reach sexual maturity at around 5-10 years old after which they engage in complex courtship rituals involving chasing and vocalizing. They have only one mate and they live as a couple for life. Once mating occurs, the gestation period lasts for about 14 months before a single calf is born. Female dugongs typically give birth in shallow waters to assist with their first breath. This low rate of reproduction makes them particularly vulnerable to population declines and habitat destruction and this lengthy pregnancy period reflects the investment that dugongs make in ensuring the survival of their offspring.
Once born, baby dugongs, or calves, rely heavily on their mothers for nourishment and protection in their critical early years. After birth, dugong newborns are 1.2 metres long and weigh around 30 kilograms. They can nurse for up to 18 months before transitioning to a primary seagrass diet. The calf stays with its mother and drinks milk from her teats for up to 2 years of age. They reach adult size between 4 and 17 years of age. Despite this strong maternal care, mortality rates for young dugongs are relatively high due to predation and human-induced threats such as entanglement in fishing gear and boat strikes.
In terms of lifespan, dugongs can live for over 70 years in the wild if they survive infancy and evade human impacts on their environment. However, threats such as habitat loss and pollution, continue to pose significant challenges to their long-term survival. Protecting these gentle giants is critical not only for their species but also for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
Dugongs, majestic marine mammals known for their gentle nature, face a range of predators and threats in their natural habitat. While adult dugongs are generally safe from predation due to their large size and tough skin, young dugongs are vulnerable to attacks from large, coastal sharks such as tiger sharks, killer whales and saltwater crocodiles. With slow reproductive rates, the loss of even a few juveniles can have significant impacts on the overall population. However, the greatest threat to dugongs comes from human activities such as fishing gear entanglement, habitat destruction, and boat strikes which pose grave dangers to these peaceful creatures. Additionally, illegal poaching for meat or traditional medicine remains a concern in some regions where dugongs are found.
Furthermore, the decline in seagrass beds due to pollution and coastal development threatens the primary food source of dugongs. As seagrass is crucial for their survival, any degradation of these habitats can lead to malnutrition and population decline among dugong populations. Climate change also poses a significant threat by causing changes in water temperature and acidity levels that can impact the availability of seagrass and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems where dugongs reside. It is crucial for conservation efforts to address these varied threats to ensure the long-term survival of these unique creatures.
The population number of dugongs, also known as sea cows, has been a subject of concern among conservationists in recent years. Dugongs are primarily found in the shallow coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with significant populations in Australia and East Africa. Estimates suggest that there are only around 100,000 dugongs left in the wild, making them vulnerable to extinction. One study suggests that in the waters around Australia, the current population of dugongs is estimated to be around 80,000 individuals. Yet, this number is not uniform across all regions, with some areas witnessing a more severe reduction in populations than others.
Various factors contribute to the declining population of dugongs, including habitat loss due to coastal development, pollution, accidental entanglement in fishing gear and hunting. Climate change also poses a threat as it leads to the degradation of seagrass meadows, which serve as the primary food source for dugongs. Efforts to protect these gentle marine creatures are underway by establishing marine protected areas and implementing sustainable fishing practices. However, further initiatives and global cooperation are necessary to ensure the survival of these charismatic animals for future generations.
The dugong, also known as the sea cow, plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as a prominent herbivore.
As highly specialized marine mammals, they are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes such as habitat loss, water pollution, climate change, and human activities such as fishing and boat strikes.
The sight of a dugong gracefully gliding through the waters of an aquarium is truly mesmerizing. As a symbol of peace and tranquillity, these gentle giants never fail to captivate audiences with their elegance and beauty. While some may argue that keeping dugongs in captivity is unnatural, providing them with a safe and stimulating environment can offer valuable educational opportunities for the public. The chance to see these magnificent creatures up close fosters awareness and appreciation for marine conservation efforts.
In addition, the controlled environment of an aquarium allows researchers to study dugongs' behaviour and biology more closely, providing vital insights into their complex lives. By observing them in captivity, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of how best to protect wild populations from threats such as habitat destruction and boat strikes. Furthermore, having dugongs in aquariums also offers the opportunity for rehabilitation and care for injured or orphaned individuals, contributing to the overall conservation efforts aimed at preserving these iconic marine mammals for future generations to admire.
The classification and evolution of the dugong reveal a fascinating story of adaptation and survival. The dugong is classified under the order Sirenia, which includes four extant species: three species of manatees and one species of dugong. Belonging to the family Dugongidae, the dugong is the only living representative of its group, making it a unique and intriguing species in the animal kingdom. These gentle marine mammals are unique in their evolutionary lineage, with their closest living relatives being elephants than whales, while they may resemble whales or dolphins. Once thought to be related to manatees, these gentle marine mammals are the closest living relatives of the extinct Steller's sea cows, sharing a common ancestor that existed over 60 million years ago. This classification underscores their evolutionary divergence from other marine mammals, as they have evolved distinct adaptations for life in shallow coastal waters.
In terms of evolution, the dugong's lineage can be traced back to around 60 million years ago, when their ancestors transitioned from land-dwelling herbivores to fully aquatic creatures. Studying the genetic relationships among different populations of dugongs has unveiled surprising insights into their evolutionary history, highlighting their adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle over millions of years. This remarkable evolutionary connection sheds light on the dugong's unique features, such as its large, streamlined body size, herbivorous diet with specialized dental structures for feeding on underwater vegetation and adaptations for life in shallow coastal waters. This transition spurred a series of remarkable anatomical changes, such as the loss of hind limbs and the development of fluked tails for efficient swimming. Furthermore, their diet primarily consists of seagrass, leading to specialized digestive systems adapted for processing fibrous plant material.
It is now understood that dugongs have distinct subpopulations across their range, each with its genetic signature shaped by thousands of years of adaptation to local environments. This genetic diversity not only highlights the resilience of this species but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts tailored to preserving these unique lineages for future generations.
Dugongs are generally shy, gentle and intelligent animals with long memories but they can be frightened by humans who come too close. Exceptionally in Vanuatu dugongs are the most magical animals for local communities. There it is possible in many sites when people are excited to see them. They are very curious animals and often interact with people without being afraid. So in Vanuatu, they have a reputation of being "friendly".
When it comes to the relationship between dugongs and humans, commonly it has been a complex one, characterized by traditional cultural interactions, harmony, conflict and modern conservation challenges. In many coastal communities, dugongs have held spiritual and symbolic significance, often featuring in folklore and traditional practices. However, the increasing human encroachment on their habitats has led to significant conservation concerns for these gentle marine mammals.
One fascinating aspect of the dugong-human relationship is the way indigenous cultures have coexisted with these creatures for centuries. In some regions, dugongs have been revered as symbols of peace, protection, good fortune and harmony, with local communities incorporating them into rituals and customs that reflect a deep respect for marine life. They are often depicted in folklore as benevolent creatures that bring luck to fishermen. This harmonious connection underscores the potential for mutually beneficial relationships between humans and these elusive underwater wonders.
Additionally, there are instances where local economies rely on eco-tourism centred around encounters with these elusive creatures. These relationships underscore the importance of balancing human needs with the preservation of natural habitats for dugongs. Their gentle nature has elicited compassion from many locals, leading to various myths and beliefs about their protective role in the sea.
While in others dugongs are hunted for their meat and oil. Human activities continue to encroach upon dugong habitats, and conflicts have arisen over resources such as seagrass, which is the primary food source for dugongs. However, the increasing human activity along coastlines has led to a decline in dugong populations, putting a strain on the relationship between these gentle marine mammals and humans. This dual perception has shaped how humans interact with these gentle sea creatures.
Despite efforts to protect dugong habitats and regulate hunting, pollution, boat strikes and accidental capture in fishing gear continue to threaten their survival. There are also heartwarming stories of humans actively working to protect dugongs and their habitats. Conservation efforts by local communities, governments, and international organizations have helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems where dugongs thrive. By promoting sustainable fishing practices, creating marine protected areas, and conducting research on dugong behaviour and habitats, these efforts demonstrate a growing understanding of our responsibility to coexist with these unique creatures.
The conservation status of dugongs, also known as sea cows, is a matter of great concern within the marine conservation community. These gentle giants are classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population is on a decline due to numerous threats such as habitat loss and degradation, coastal development and entanglement in fishing gear which pose major challenges to the long-term survival of these marine mammals. Additionally, pollution and climate change have had a significant impact on their numbers.
Another critical factor contributing to the dwindling population of dugongs is hunting and poaching. In some parts of the world, dugongs are still hunted for their meat, oil, and other body parts despite being protected by national laws and international agreements. As a result, urgent and coordinated efforts are needed to increase protection measures for these iconic creatures, including establishing more marine protected areas where they can thrive without direct human interference.
Furthermore, efforts aimed at conserving dugong populations have focused on protecting critical habitats, enforcing regulations against poaching and bycatch, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving these animals. However, finding a balance between human activities and the preservation of dugong habitats remains a complex challenge. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities is crucial in developing effective conservation strategies that address the multifaceted threats faced by dugongs. Through ongoing research and concerted action, there is hope that we can secure a sustainable future for these iconic marine creatures.
Dugongs and manatees are often mistaken for each other, but they have several distinct differences.