Seals are group of marine mammals that live in various regions of the world. They can survive both in polar and in tropic water. Seals are divided in two families: one that includes seals with ears, like sea lion, and other that includes earless seals, like common seal. There are 33 species of seals in total.
Of the 33 species, 20 breed on land, and the remaining 13 breed on ice. The smallest seal species is the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica) reaching 1.3 meters (4 ft 3 in) in length and weighing from 63 to 70 kilograms (139 to 154 pounds). he largest seal species is the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) reaching up to 5.8 meters (19 feet) in length and weighing up to 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds). It is The lifespan of seals ranges from 15 to 40 years, depending on the sex, species and living conditions. Females usually live longer than males.
Most seal species live in very large social groups called colonies that may come together to sunbathe in masses of hundreds, and take to the beach to mate and raise young in tightly packed gatherings of thousands.
Seals hunt alone or in groups. Their specialized bodies allow them to hunt for food in the water effectively. Their fins give them the ability to move very rapidly through the water, and seals can also dive deep into the ocean. Seals also have whiskers that are highly sensitive to movements and vibrations, making them effective hunters during the day or night.
They have well-developed senses — their eyesight and hearing are adapted for both air and water.
Seals feed mainly on fish, but shellfish, squid and octopus also feature prominently in their diet. Seals are usually opportunistic feeders and are willing to eat most meat that is available depending on the location. They’re considered to be predatory carnivores, and although most seals eat a vast variety of ocean creatures, some species eat only specific prey, such as crustaceans or krill. And a few, like the leopard seal, feed on large vertebrates, such as penguins and other seals.
Depending on the type of seal, they can dive at least 300 meters (1,000 feet). Some of them can dive up to 900 meters (3,000 feet). It is believed they can go deeper than that if necessary for food. The deepest recorded dive of a seal is 2,388 meters (7,835 feet) by a southern elephant seal.
Seals dive for three minutes at a time typically, and most species can stay under water up to 30 minutes. But champion divers, such as elephant seals, can hold their breath for about 2 hours.
It can swim at speeds of 37 km/h (23 mph) when it is pursuing its prey, although most of the time it cruises at about 6 km/h (4 mph).
Seals can sleep both in the water and on land, making it easier for them to choose whatever’s best for their situation to avoid dangers. Scientists have recorded them sleeping for minutes at a time while slowly drifting downward in a belly-up orientation. Like other marine mammals, seals sleep in water with half of their brain awake so that they can detect and escape from predators. When they are asleep on land, both sides of their brain go into sleep mode.
Mothers carry their young for a gestation period of around 12 months. For most species, birthing takes place in the spring and summer months. Typically, single pups are born; twins are uncommon and have high mortality rates.
The milk that the females offer their pups can be up to 50% fat. This accounts for the astonishing growth of them. When researchers first started observing pups they couldn’t believe that they would gain 3 to 5 pounds (1.3 to 2.2 kilograms) per day. Yet this is possible due to the amount of fat that is in the milk they drink. They are generally weaned from 3 to 6 weeks of life depending on the species of seal.
Humans have traditionally hunted seals for their meat, blubber and fur coats, however seals are now protected by international law.
Another very interesting point is that seals are trained to perform circus, they have the ability to balance the ball on the nose, or swim through the rings on the water. So I thought about making a circus seal model with a birthday cake.
There are many greeting cards image the Seal, but I would like to introduce to you one of the most unique and meaningful Seal greeting cards by Seal popup card
The seal is holding a birthday cake on its nose and is surrounded by balloons and colorful gift boxes.
This gift will surprise both you and the recipient, please use the floating seal card to give to your friends, colleagues and relatives on their birthday, it really makes sense. means.
Source: softschools.com, justfunfacts.com.