Updates? The fur seals of the North Pacific Ocean and the ringed seals of the North Atlantic Ocean have also been hunted for their pelts. Various species are able to reach depths of 150–250 metres or more and can remain underwater for 20–30 minutes, with the Weddell seal diving for up to 73 minutes and up to 600 metres. 2. Fact 1 An adult seal can weigh from about130 lbs to more than 8,000 lbs depending on the species. There are many different species Their streamlined bodies enable them to hunt for food in frigid waters with ease. Everything we do in life is motivated by desire: a reason why we... We love facts. Unlike other seals, the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) of the Antarctic feeds largely on penguins, seabirds, and other seals, in addition to fish and krill.

Seals range in size from about 1 m (3 ft 3 in) and 45 kg (100 lb) such as the earless Baikal seal and eared Galapagos fur seal, up to the 5 m (16 ft) and 3,200 kg (7,100 lb) southern elephant seal. Seals may have to migrate for hundreds of miles in search of crabs, krill, and other staples of their diet.

The amount of carbon monoxide present in the blood of an Elephant seal is similar to a person who smokes 40 cigarettes a day.

Ten fun facts about Seals. These are sensitive to touch, and can detect vibrations from prey in the water. Seal hunting, or sealing, was so widespread and indiscriminate in the 19th century that many species might have become extinct if international regulations had not been enacted for their protection. Hoover managed to learn how to say “Hey! Also, the fur of eared seals is more apparent, especially in sea lions. Learn more about seal habitats, what seals eat, how long they live and other interesting information with our fun seal facts. Here are 15 Fun Seal Facts to help you celebrate International Seal Day. Seal, any of 32 species of web-footed aquatic mammals that live chiefly in cold seas and whose body shape, round at the middle and tapered at the ends, is adapted to swift and graceful swimming.

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All information was correct at the time of publishing. Another contrasting characteristic among seals and Sea Lions is the presence of fur that covers the animal’s long claws, which the Sea Lions have but True seals don’t have.

The coastal species are generally sedentary, but the oceangoing species make extended, regular migrations. So we've created Every Fact Ever so you can enjoy exciting, insightful, and shareable facts every single day.

google_ad_client = "pub-4643150179421087"; Seals have an increased amount of myoglobin in their blood, which is the protein that stores oxygen.

They will also swim upstream into large rivers, resting on mud flats, or on rocky coasts. Interestingly, like cats, all ‘pinnipeds’ have a membrane at the back of each eye called a ‘tapetum lucidum’ that aids in night vision. Fact 3 Seals are found throughout the world from Polar Regions to tropical waters. 50 extinct species of seal have been discovered in fossils. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Seals gain speed by porpoising or gliding on the water’s surface to minimize resistance. Hearing . Seals have large eyes to allow them better vision underwater. This site © 2020 to NPS Publishing. They are related to the walrus . The... Why do we do what we do? There are 33 species of pinnipeds in the world and all are believed to have evolved from once terrestrial otter-like creatures. Consequently, the Mediterranean Monk seal and the Hawaiian Monk seal, are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. in Animals,Nature,Seas. No part of this site or its content may be reproduced without the permission of the copyright holder. Seals have a layer of fat under skin called blubber, which keeps them warm in cold water. Underneath all that blubber is a very versatile and hardy animal built to survive the planet’s harshest environments. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. google_ad_client = "pub-4643150179421087"; Seals are warm-blooded, air breathing mammals Eyesight . common seal), otaridae, eared seals (eg.

Wherever you are in the world you'll be surrounded by paper. The species’ diet consists of deep-dwelling animals such as rays, skates, octopus, large fish, and squid, hence the deep diving! Seal, any of 32 species of web-footed aquatic mammals that live chiefly in cold seas and whose body shape, round at the middle and tapered at the ends, is adapted to swift and graceful swimming. They can be heard making honking noises and even trumpeting sounds.

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The blubber is a thick layer of fat or adipose tissue that stores energy, and increases the animal’s buoyancy. They are fairly small, with little difference in size between the sexes. Female Harbor seals have a life expectancy of 30 to 35 years, whereas Males only live for 20 to 25 years. A seal’s mouth has many long whiskers on it. In the air, hearing ability is only from 1 to 22.5 kHz. Researchers observed that pups would gain 3 to 5 pounds a day because of the Mum’s milk. NPSP is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Seals possess a thick layer of fat (blubber) below the skin, which provides insulation, acts as a food reserve, and contributes to buoyancy.

Seals mainly live in the water, they only come ashore to mate, give birth, moult or escape from predators such as orca whales and sharks. They are generally found in the Antarctic and their numbers range from 2 to 76 million worldwide. There are two types of seals: the earless, or true, seals (family Phocidae); and the eared seals (family Otariidae), which comprise the sea lions and fur seals. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Seals are believed to have evolved from land based, bear or otter-like ancestors. Seals are carnivores, eating mainly fish, though some also consume squid, other mollusks, and crustaceans. Learn more about seal habitats, what seals eat, how long they live and other interesting information with our fun seal facts.

Elephant seals migrate in search of food, spending months at sea and often diving deep to forage. About once a year a female seal, called a cow, gives birth to one pup on land. Members of this group are characterized by having front and rear flippers. /* sci facts 160 */ Seals are warm-blooded, air breathing mammals that live in or near the sea.

google_ad_slot = "5655995158"; Underneath all that blubber is a very versatile and hardy animal built to survive the planet’s harshest environments.

Pups are normally born on shore, beginning in February for populations at the lower latitudes, and as late as July for those in the subarctic region. The young gain weight rapidly, for the cow’s milk is up to about 50 percent fat. Despite being considered the clowns of the marine mammals, seals are in fact very interesting and resilient creatures.

The pinnipeds group contains 3 families: phocidae, the earless or true seal (eg.

During these times, they rely mainly on the energy stored in their blubber. In one colony alone, more than 90% of the pups born are sired by the group’s alpha-male, and 72% of the male population in that colony may never experience mating at all. The largest is the southern elephant seal which grow to 13 feet in length and the smallest is the Galapagos that grow to 4 feet in length. There are 33 species of seal worldwide, two of which live around the British coastlines. Because they can spend months at sea, seals can sleep underwater. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.



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