Classification
KINGDOM- ANIMALIA PHYLUM-CHORDATA CLASS-MAMMALIA ORDER-CARNIVORA FAMILY-PHOCIDAE GENUS-Mirounga SPECIES- M. angustirotris |
Morphology
The Northern Elephant seal is very sexually dimorphic. Males have proboscis used to make noises during mating season. Males typically grow up to 14 feet and weigh 5,000 pounds while females grow up to 11 feet and weigh 1,400 pounds. |
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/0/4/24043028/250px-mirounga-angustirostris-distribution.png?250)
Northern Elephant seals usually inhabit the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Facts
- Northern Elephant Seals almost became extinct because they were being hunted for their oil-producing blubber.
- These seals can dive very deep into the ocean, one was recorded to reach 5,788 feet!
- Northern Elephant Seals mostly eat squid.
- Males can impregnate up to 50 females in one season.
- Northern Elephant Seal pups quadruple their weight in just one month.
Northern Elephant Seals are important because they are the prey of other marine mammals like whales. They form a very important part in the marine ecosystem.
Northern Elephant Seals have become adapted to the marine life. They have adapted with their diving response, energy from fat, thermoregulation, fasting, delayed implantation and sensory ability.
Northern Elephant Seals have become adapted to the marine life. They have adapted with their diving response, energy from fat, thermoregulation, fasting, delayed implantation and sensory ability.
Vocabulary
- Dimorphic:occurring in or representing two distinct forms.
- Thermoregulation:is a process that allows your body to maintain its core internal temperature.
- Implantation:the attachment of the fertilized egg or blastocyst to the wall of the uterus at the start of pregnancy, often delayed in some mammals by several months.
- Sensory:of or relating to sensation or the physical senses; transmitted or perceived by the senses.
- Impregnate:make (female animal) pregnant.
http://www.sfnps.org/elephant_seals Elephant Seals
http://mentalfloss.com/article/73596/14-huge-facts-about-elephant-seals 14 Huge Facts About Elephant Seals
http://www.elephantseal.org/adapt.htm Adaptions to the way of Life
http://mentalfloss.com/article/73596/14-huge-facts-about-elephant-seals 14 Huge Facts About Elephant Seals
http://www.elephantseal.org/adapt.htm Adaptions to the way of Life