Harbor seal - description, habitat, lifestyle

Seals mean animals of the water type, respectively, the external characteristics of individuals are maximally adapted for such a way of being. Distribution to a greater extent affects the area near the Arctic Ocean, the Barents Sea, the Bering Sea, Greenland, etc. Of course, individuals of this species live in other similar places if they are suitable for the local climatic conditions. In today's article, we will study everything related to seals so that everyone can draw certain conclusions for themselves.

Description

1. It has already been mentioned earlier that the external characteristics of these animals are completely determined by the territories in which they live and their lifestyle. These terrestrial gorges are classified as pinnipeds. They move terribly along the shore, but swim well and quickly reach their goal. However, on land these representatives of the species live, they have not lost this connection, in contrast, for example, from dolphins or whales.
2. Seals are large aquatic animals. By weight of the case, they can reach about 40 kg. (seals) or 2 tons (elephants). It all depends on the specific variety, however, as are the overall characteristics. Seals grow up to 1.2 m, but elephant seals can reach 6 m. Agree, it’s impressive, because all seals are represented as medium-sized harmless creatures. An interesting feature of these animals is that their body mass and total volumes are modified along with how fat accumulates or burns in a given season.
3. According to the format of the body, these individuals are elongated, rounded, elongated, and as if streamlined. They are rounded on almost all sides, which gives even greater emotion. The neck is sealed and shortened. The head is medium or even small in size, the skull itself is thick and durable. Flippers are developed and strong.
4. The body is covered with wool, which simultaneously performs several important tasks. Animals easily swim, are not constrained in movements. But at the same time they are protected from the cold and get wet less. Seals have a decent fat reserve, which prevents them from freezing in ice water. This fat accumulates in the winter, then melts, the animal loses weight. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is responsible for heat exchange.
5. As for the color of the body, most of the individuals of the family represented are pigmented in brown or gray, black or dark gray blotches may be observed. The pattern to the point is not observed at all. These individuals move overland clumsily, like lumps. Their hind limbs do not take any part in the process, which makes the animals feel sorry. But we all know that in the water they are wonderful swimmers.
6. Even despite the impressive mass of the hull, these animals cope with the movement smartly. As soon as they get into their native expanses, they immediately get rid of the slowness inherent in individuals moving along the shore. In the aquatic environment, seals accelerate to 20 kilometers per hour and even more. They dive up to 600 meters in depth, without feeling discomfort. They can swim without diving, about 10 minutes.
7. Such a long time under water is due to the presence of a special oxygen bag located under the skin. As soon as oxygen ends, individuals are selected on land, stockpiled by them and can again go to their expanses. The eyes are large, but these animals cannot boast of excellent eyesight. All seals suffer from myopia. But they are distinguished by good hearing and sense of smell, smells are felt in half a kilometer.
8. Seals have a tactile mustache.Thanks to them, animals can easily navigate between obstacles under water without problems. It is interesting that some species of relatives have the ability in the form of echolocation. But if we compare such animals with dolphins or whales, then it is much less developed.
9. It is worth noting that the individuals under consideration lack sexual dimorphism. It is impossible to distinguish females from males. Only a few subspecies are distinguishable. Among these are the Khokhlach seals and elephant seals. Males have an unusual pattern on their faces. The genitals of such individuals are hidden between the fat folds, they can not be seen.

Food

1. The diet of the animals discussed is mainly based on fish. Aquatic mammals like cod, herring, smelt, capelin and sometimes enjoy invertebrates. Seals are not one of those animals that migrate.
2. They live mainly in coastal waters. At the end of summer and with the onset of spring, they prefer to spend most of their time on the shallows. It is in such places that the tides most often occur. Such individuals do not like open places and wide beaches.

Breeding

1. After mating, the female carries offspring for 11 months. Then only 1 baby is born. Moreover, it has a mass of 12 kg., And a length of 1 m. As for the females that live outside the Arctic waters, they bring young animals on the shallows when the tide begins.
2. As soon as the water begins to return, after some time the baby is already able to swim independently. At the same time, he continues to eat breast milk for about 1 month. After this, most often the female mates again and begins to wait for the next baby. All mating acts take place in water.
3. After that, the animals show molt season begins. Seals are located in places where sharp reefs and stones stick out. Thus, they protect themselves from various predators.

The natural enemies of seals are most often polar bears. However, the individuals in question are very cautious and rarely find themselves in the place of the victim. The killer whale represents the main danger to seals. Such individuals are very strong and fast, so they easily catch up with their prey. A seal cannot escape from a killer whale in the water, unless it jumps to land.

Video: common seal (Phoca vitulina)