User:Ian (Wiki Ed)/notes/marine mammals
General characteristics of a good article about marine mammals
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]Few of the existing marine mammal FAs or GAs include a separate section on diet - most seem to discuss it Behaviour or Ecology
Reproduction
[edit]Again, this seems to frequently be discussed as a subsection of Behaviour.
Etymology
[edit]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.
Taxonomy
[edit]Subspecies
[edit]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
[edit]Sometimes included under "Ecology"
Conservation status
[edit]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".
References
[edit]Categories should be defined near the end of the article.
Please include a direct parent category in the taxonomy whenever possible; for a species, the family is likely an available category. For a family, the order is probably available.
See the subcategories under Category:Animals); most of the subcategories listed there have lower-level subcategories that may fit better. Multiple categories may be relevant.