Seals are marine mammals adapted to life in the water.
There are two main types of seals: true seals (phocids) and eared seals (otariids).
Seals have streamlined bodies, flippers, and a layer of blubber for insulation.
Seals are excellent divers, and some species can reach depths of several hundred meters.
Seals are found in both polar and temperate waters around the world.
Seals are carnivorous and feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Seals have a specialized respiratory system that allows them to hold their breath for extended periods.
True seals lack external ear flaps, while eared seals have visible ear flaps.
Seals use their flippers to propel themselves through the water and to regulate body temperature.
Seals are known for their agility and can move gracefully on land and ice.
Seals often haul out onto land or ice to rest, give birth, or escape predators.
Seal pups are born on land or ice and are nursed by their mothers.
Seals communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including barks, growls, and whistles.
Seals have sensitive whiskers, called vibrissae, that help them detect prey underwater.
Seals are social animals, and some species form colonies during the breeding season.
Seals are well adapted to cold environments with a thick layer of blubber and dense fur.
Seal species include harbor seals, elephant seals, Weddell seals, and leopard seals.
Seals have a lifespan that varies by species, with some living several decades.
Seals molt their fur regularly to maintain its insulating properties.
Seals are preyed upon by sharks, killer whales, and polar bears.
Seals are strong swimmers and use their hind flippers for propulsion.
Seals are important indicators of ocean health and ecosystem balance.
Seal blubber serves as an energy reserve and provides buoyancy in the water.
Seals are capable of fasting for extended periods during molting or breeding.
Seal species exhibit diverse behaviors, from solitary foraging to communal breeding.
Seals have a layer of fur that helps trap air, providing additional insulation.
Seals are known to use ice floes as platforms for resting and giving birth.
Seal populations may face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Seals play a vital role in marine ecosystems by controlling fish populations.
Seals have a range of vocalizations for different purposes, including communicating with their young.
Seals are protected by conservation measures in many regions to ensure their survival.