Because of their thick layer of blubber and fur, Antarctica seals are extremely well-adapted to the freezing conditions and actually often find the conditions too hot, having to take plunges into the water to cool down. Seals are carnivorous and, depending on the type of seal, eat fish, krill or squid.
How do seals survive in Antarctica?
Seals are well adapted to cold polar environments with thick blubber layers that act both as a food reserve and insulation. Most seals also have a layer of fur, giving additional insulation on land.
How do sea lions survive in their habitat?
Thick, oily fur and a layer of blubber enables sea lions to retain a high body temperature in frigid waters. A special process called thermoregulation also allows sea lions to keep warm. Thermoregulation occurs because the blood vessels on a sea lion's flipper are exposed as they are not covered by blubber or fur.
Where do sea lions live in Antarctica?
When not breeding on land, the Antarctic fur seal leads a largely pelagic existence, pursuing its prey wherever it is abundant. During the breeding season they primarily reside on sheltered rocky, sandy and gravelly beaches on sub-Antarctic islands with lush tussock grass clumps.
What adaptations does the leopard seal have to survive in the Antarctic waters?
Other than hunting adaptations (discussed below), leopard seals have adaptations suited to living in a cold marine environment. This includes a sleek and streamlined body that is very muscular – but more importantly – blubber for the cold. They have slits for their noses to keep water out when diving.
How do orcas survive in Antarctica?
Thick layer of blubber for warmth. Can swim very fast (up to 30mph) to catch prey. Use echolocation (bouncing sounds off objects) in order to locate their positions and for hunting prey. Have sharp teeth up to 10cm long, to rip apart and chew their prey.
Do seal lions eat penguins?
The evidence for sea lions and fur-seals preying on penguins is more extensive. Although most sea lions are largely dependent on fish and smaller marine vertebrates, many of them have been recorded preying on penguins. For example, Antarctic fur seals have been documented preying on King Penguins ashore5.
How does a sea lion protect itself?
Even though they have teeth, sea lions like to swallow their food whole if they can. Their sharp canine teeth are used mostly to protect themselves.
How can we save sea lions from extinction?
Help the sea lions from home:
- Eat from local restaurants that are part of the Aquarium of the Bay's Seafood Watch Alliance.
- Reduce the toxins you use on your lawn and garden, as these chemicals end up in our waterways.
- Bring your own reusable canvas or cotton shopping bags to carry your purchases.
Why do seals mate with penguins?
It could be that they're collectively realizing that the birds are easy targets as they look to vent the sexual frustration caused by mating season hormone spikes. It could be that females are hard to come by on these beaches, leaving young male seals looking for other outlets.