Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) Dimensions & Drawings

What is the largest pinniped?

The largest pinniped on record is the southern elephant seal measuring 21.3 ft (6.5 m) captured in 1913. The average male southern elephant seal can weigh between 4,900 to 8,800 lbs (2,200 to 4,000 kg) and are 14 ft to 19 ft (4.2 to 5.8 m) long. Bulls are typically 5 to 6 times heavier than females.

What do pinnipeds eat?

Pinnipeds are carnivorous and eat a wide variety of food depending on their species and habitat. They typically eat krill, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and squid. Most pinnipeds are general feeders but some specialize, like the leopard seal that specializes in penguins. Ross seals and southern elephant seals generally only eat squid and crabeater seals feed mostly on krill.

Why is blubber important for pinnipeds?

Blubber, layers of fat under their skin, is important for pinnipeds because it helps them protect themselves from the cold. The layers of blubber also aides in streamlining their form which allows pinnipeds to effectively chase after their prey. Blubber is also important for newborn pups as they live off their blubber while they develop both their diving and feeding skills.

What is the largest pinniped?

The largest pinniped on record is the southern elephant seal measuring 21.3 ft (6.5 m) captured in 1913. The average male southern elephant seal can weigh between 4,900 to 8,800 lbs (2,200 to 4,000 kg) and are 14 ft to 19 ft (4.2 to 5.8 m) long. Bulls are typically 5 to 6 times heavier than females.

What do pinnipeds eat?

Pinnipeds are carnivorous and eat a wide variety of food depending on their species and habitat. They typically eat krill, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and squid. Most pinnipeds are general feeders but some specialize, like the leopard seal that specializes in penguins. Ross seals and southern elephant seals generally only eat squid and crabeater seals feed mostly on krill.

Why is blubber important for pinnipeds?

Blubber, layers of fat under their skin, is important for pinnipeds because it helps them protect themselves from the cold. The layers of blubber also aides in streamlining their form which allows pinnipeds to effectively chase after their prey. Blubber is also important for newborn pups as they live off their blubber while they develop both their diving and feeding skills.

What do species in the order of Carnivora have in common?

Species in the order Carnivora, whether cats or dogs, eat only flesh. That means they have to venture out and hunt for food unless domesticated. Among the most common physical features possessed by members of this species are powerful jaws, limbs, and agility. Besides, their digestive system is less complicated compared to herbivores.

What is the largest land animal in the Carnivora order?

Bears are the largest among land carnivores. You can find them in the inhospitable environments in the Northern Hemisphere. Male polar bears can weigh up to 700 kgs and can hunt both on land and at sea. This is made possible by a body covered in thick fur and fat reserves that help them to easily swim and dive in cold waters.

Are all animals in the Carnivora order carnivores?

Carnivores eat a wide range of meat dishes but not all of them depend only on meat and fish. For example, pandas are carnivores but feed on plant materials. Their digestive system is suited to digest bamboo shoots and leaves. There are also cases of domesticated dogs and cats eating corn.

What do species in the order of Carnivora have in common?

Species in the order Carnivora, whether cats or dogs, eat only flesh. That means they have to venture out and hunt for food unless domesticated. Among the most common physical features possessed by members of this species are powerful jaws, limbs, and agility. Besides, their digestive system is less complicated compared to herbivores.

What is the largest land animal in the Carnivora order?

Bears are the largest among land carnivores. You can find them in the inhospitable environments in the Northern Hemisphere. Male polar bears can weigh up to 700 kgs and can hunt both on land and at sea. This is made possible by a body covered in thick fur and fat reserves that help them to easily swim and dive in cold waters.

Are all animals in the Carnivora order carnivores?

Carnivores eat a wide range of meat dishes but not all of them depend only on meat and fish. For example, pandas are carnivores but feed on plant materials. Their digestive system is suited to digest bamboo shoots and leaves. There are also cases of domesticated dogs and cats eating corn.

How do animals survive in the arctic?

Animals survive in the arctic by physically developing adaptations to withstand the extreme temperatures such as insulating fur, multiple layers of fat, as well as oily skin coatings. These physical elements in combination with one another help animals live comfortably within the arctic. They also help keep moisture out and heat inside.

Do all arctic animals have blubber?

Arctic animals have blubber that covers their entire body and is an essential element of the physical anatomy. The blubber of arctic animals helps store energy, insulate heat, as well as increase buoyancy. Although some marine animals also have blubber it is thicker among arctic animals to protect them against the extreme cold.

Why are arctic animals white?

Arctic animals are typically white because it offers an additional layer of warmth and protection. Arctic animals are white because it has no extra coloring and provides more room for air to insulate them. The white coloring also helps arctic animals blend into their surroundings and acts as a form of camouflage.

How do animals survive in the arctic?

Animals survive in the arctic by physically developing adaptations to withstand the extreme temperatures such as insulating fur, multiple layers of fat, as well as oily skin coatings. These physical elements in combination with one another help animals live comfortably within the arctic. They also help keep moisture out and heat inside.

Do all arctic animals have blubber?

Arctic animals have blubber that covers their entire body and is an essential element of the physical anatomy. The blubber of arctic animals helps store energy, insulate heat, as well as increase buoyancy. Although some marine animals also have blubber it is thicker among arctic animals to protect them against the extreme cold.

Why are arctic animals white?

Arctic animals are typically white because it offers an additional layer of warmth and protection. Arctic animals are white because it has no extra coloring and provides more room for air to insulate them. The white coloring also helps arctic animals blend into their surroundings and acts as a form of camouflage.

How do animals adapt to the coast?

Animals adapt to the coast by adjusting to living in salty water as well as being able to withstand being covered or uncovered by the tide. Further coastal adaptations also include being able to hide or escape quickly from predators, finding food, and staying in a safe place as the tides move.

Why are coasts important for wildlife?

Coasts are important for wildlife because they serve as nesting grounds for species of sea turtles as well as are habitats for animals like beach mice. Coasts are also important foraging areas for migratory shorebirds. Coasts are important as they are used in cohesion by all species of animals.