7 Essential Facts About Seals

Seals, the captivating creatures of the ocean, belong to a group called pinnipeds, meaning “fin-footed.” These semi-aquatic mammals include 32 species adapted for swift swimming, with a body that is round in the middle and tapered at the ends. Primarily inhabiting cold seas, seals have adapted perfectly to their aquatic life, showcasing their unique and fascinating biology. 

This comprehensive guide brings you 7 essential facts about seals to help you learn more about these marine mammals.

7 Essential Facts About Seals

1: Seals Are Marine Mammals Adapted to Live Both on Land and in Water

Seals are marine mammals uniquely adapted to live on land and in water. They spend most of their lives in the ocean, where their streamlined bodies and flippers make them excellent swimmers. However, seals spend a fraction of their time on land, where they rest, molt, and give birth. 

Seals possess a thick layer of fat for insulation in cold water and the ability to slow their heart rate to dive deep underwater. These adaptations enable them to thrive in both marine and terrestrial environments.

2: Seals Are Also Called Pinnipeds

Seals, also known as pinnipeds, are marine mammals with fin-like flippers. The term “pinniped” comes from Latin, meaning “fin—” or “flipper-footed.” These terms are used for mammals with front and rear flippers. 

Millions of years ago, their ancestors were land-dwelling animals resembling weasels or bears. Over time, these animals adapted to a marine lifestyle, gradually evolving into the seals we know today.

3: Earless Seals Have Ears

Earless or “true” seals, such as the harbor seal, the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and the harp seal, are pinnipeds with ear holes but lack external ear flaps. Despite appearing earless, they have small ear holes on the sides of their heads. So, if you want to see their ears, you must go very close to them.

4: Seals Can Sleep Underwater

Seals can sleep underwater for short periods to avoid predators. They dive deep, nod off, and glide downward while asleep, often flipping belly up and twirling as they descend. Sometimes, they rest on the ocean floor. 

This entire underwater sleep cycle, including the dive and rest, lasts less than 30 minutes, with actual sleep lasting about 10 minutes per cycle. Afterward, they wake up, swim to the surface to breathe, and repeat the process.

5: Some Seals Migrate Hundreds of Miles Yearly for Food

Every year, certain seals, such as northern fur seals, travel long distances in search of food. For instance, from the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, they undertake a round-trip journey of around 6,000 miles. This migration is essential for their survival, as they need to find abundant food sources. By enduring this journey, they demonstrate their remarkable ability to adapt to their environment and fulfill their dietary needs.

6: Seals Are Skilled at Holding Their Breath Underwater

Seals are remarkable creatures when it comes to holding their breath underwater. Their ability to stay submerged for up to one and a half hours is supported by a thick layer of blubber, which keeps them warm in cold waters. 

Adult harbor seals, in particular, can dive to depths of 1,500 feet and stay underwater for over 30 minutes, thanks to their extraordinary oxygen storage capabilities.

7: The Largest Seal Weighs More Than Four Tons

The southern elephant seal is the largest of all seals, with males weighing over four tons, averaging around 8,000 lbs, while females are notably smaller. In contrast, the Galapagos fur seal, the smallest in the otariid family, weighs 60 to 140 lbs on average. 

Conclusion

Seals, as marine mammals, have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive both in water and on land. From their streamlined bodies to their ability to sleep underwater and migrate vast distances for food, seals exhibit extraordinary capabilities. 

The above-discussed facts about seals offer a glimpse into the marine world of these incredible mammals, enriching your understanding of their unique biology and behavior.

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