Sea otters may have been using stone tools for thousands or even millions of years, according to scientists.
It appears otters learned how to use tools long before other marine mammals.
Sea otters are often seen floating on their backs, using rocks to break open shellfish for food.
A genetic study of more than 100 wild sea otters living off the Californian coast suggests their ancestors living millions of years ago showed this behaviour.
Dolphins in Australia have been seen to use sponges to protect their noses when scouting for fish on the sea floor.
However, this seems to be a relatively new invention, happening less than 200 years ago.
Dr Katherine Ralls of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, US, said they were surprised to find sea otters using tools were not -read more
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