Hungry Sea Lions (IMAGE) Monell Chemical Senses Center Caption Genetic analyses revealed that both sweet and umami (savory) taste receptor genes are dysfunctional in these animals. This finding strongly suggests that sea lions, which swallow their food whole, cannot detect these taste qualities. Credit Richard G. Fisher Usage Restrictions Would appreciate reports of usage to <A HREF="mailto:media@monell.org">media@monell.org</A> License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.