Dusky Dolphin vs Surf Scoter

Lagenorhynchus obscurus compared with Melanitta perspicillata

Key Differences

• Dusky Dolphin is Least Concern while Surf Scoter is Not Evaluated.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Dusky Dolphin	Surf Scoter
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Mammalia (Mammals)	Aves (Birds)
Order	Cetacea (Whales & Dolphins)	Anseriformes (Anseriformes)
Family	Delphinidae (Oceanic Dolphins)	Anatidae
Genus	Lagenorhynchus	Melanitta
Species	Lagenorhynchus obscurus	Melanitta perspicillata

Evolutionary Relationship

Dusky Dolphin and Surf Scoter share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Dusky Dolphin

LC — Least Concern

Surf Scoter

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Dusky Dolphin	Surf Scoter
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Dusky Dolphin

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Surf Scoter

Habitat

Typically found in various aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic environments.

Range

Found across Europe (5 countries) and North America (United States).