From what we know now, apparently there are only two mammals–one species and one genus–that can’t instinctively swim. Guess, and then see what they are–along with a fascinating article on the subject–after the jump.
The only two kinds of mammals that can’t swim are:
(1) giraffes
(2) apes
Apparently, some apes can be taught to swim. The author classifies human beings in this category, though humans, once they learn, outdo just about every other terrestrial mammalian species when it comes to swimming.
From Josh Gabbatiss, BBC – Earth – The strange experiments that revealed most mammals can swim:
My girlfriend’s grandparents, Audrey and Hamish, are an inquisitive pair with a keen interest in all things biological. One day, they decided to test a pet theory of Audrey’s.
“I’ve always thought that all mammals can produce milk and that they can swim,” she says, “although not at the same time.”
And so, it came to pass that they found themselves gathered with their daughters around the garden pond clutching their pet guinea pigs. “We had a fishing net in case anybody got in trouble, we put the guinea pig in one side, and it doggy-paddled – or guinea pig paddled – over to the other.”
“That’s the only experimental experience we have,” says Hamish, explaining his view that because most mammals walk on four legs, they should be able to swim instinctively using a “doggy-paddle” style.
But is he right?
[Keep reading. . .]