Seal Characteristics: Is It a Mammal? Where Does It Live?

When we look at the photos, of the seal It’s impossible not to see you laughing. We don’t know if these cute animals are actually laughing, but it’s hard not to laugh when you look at their photos. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about seal is soundleaves its place with a smile on our face.

Seals, which are classified as pinnipeds, are one of the rare creatures that can live both in the sea and on land. Them interesting feature And it’s not just limited to this!

“What kind of fish is a seal?” Let us explain it to you before you ask.

We hear the name all the time, from the language of social media for a while. “Seals are very lonely.” The seal family is the largest among the pinniped species, a carnivorous group. Since it is thought to be a fish, the only question left in mind is: mammal whether it is or not. When we look at scientific sources, seals are generally very similar to fish and marine animals with their feeding habits.

Some people automatically perceive seals as a type of fish because they think of seals as a type of fish, like whales or dolphins. Therefore, it comes to mind “Is a seal a mammal?” comes the question. Let’s give a collective answer: Yes, seals are classified as mammals.

Well, let’s talk about the little-heard things about these mammals. Here are interesting facts about seals:

• body weights 2.5 tons with 40 kg While they vary between different species, their length can reach up to 6 meters.
• Pregnancy periods 11 months.
• A very advanced sense of smell They have this sense and can detect odors up to 500 meters away.
• “Where it lives?” Answer to the question: They can reach up to 1.5 km depth under water.
• Instead of a familiar ear a special auditory canal has.
• their ages, to your teeth determined by looking at it.
• A lot lonely people but why?
• Helps navigate underwater Their most important feature, oddly enough, is their moustache..
• High levels in their blood, as in smokers carbon monoxide has.

While their body weight varies between 40 kg and 2.5 tons, their height can reach up to 1 to 6 meters.

sealsThey are carnivorous marine mammals that vary widely in terms of body weight and length. The body weight of these animals can vary between 40 kg and 2.5 tons, depending on their species and breed.

Their height can usually reach up to 6 meters. This is also a matter of species. But types are not the only reason; Because they are found in different climates and habitats with its adaptations is also relevant.

Pregnancy period is 11 months.

The pregnancy period of seals is on average 11 months, contrary to what is customary among mammals. Even more interesting is that pregnant seals come ashore to give birth. This process includes the female’s birth period as well as the cub’s growth process. Where do seals live We think there may be an answer to those wondering, because seals are one of the rare creatures that can live both on land and in the sea.

They have a very developed sense of smell and can detect odors up to 500 meters away.

seals, creatures with highly developed senses of smell to understand the world around them and detect their prey. Their highly sensitive noses can detect the smell even under water.

Their keen sense of smell is especially vital for hunting and detecting dangers. Finding prey under the sea, other with seals They use this enhanced sense of smell to communicate and sense potential dangers.

They can stay underwater for up to 2 hours and reach depths of up to 1.5 km.

of seals Their ability to stay underwater for long periods of time is an important feature that supports these mammals’ underwater hunting and survival strategies. Thanks to their breathing systems, they can dive for long periods of time.

of seals lung capacity and the oxygen carrying capacity of their blood allows them to last longer under water. These animals can hold their breath while diving and use oxygen more effectively by slowing down their metabolism.

Instead of ears, seals have a special auditory canal when diving in water.

The fact that seals have a special hearing system instead of ears also allows these animals to maintain their ability to hear effectively under water. Especially under water hunting and communicating They have a hearing system that has evolved to suit their needs.

Looking at a of the seal We can’t see their ears, but that doesn’t mean they can’t hear at all. Their special auditory canal helps them reduce the effects of water pressure and the acoustic environment while underwater.

Seals’ ages are determined by the number of circles at the base of their teeth.

The method of determining the age of seals is very simple. Generally number of circles at the base of your teeth Just looking is enough for this. Although they generally have a regular tooth structure when they are born, various changes occur in their teeth over time. These changes are shape changes at the base of the tooth.

As they get older, ring-like structures form at the base of the teeth. These rings of seals It is like an indicator that represents growth periods over the years. A ring forms on its teeth within a year, and therefore the total number of rings at the base of the tooth easily indicates the age of the seal.

They are so lonely but why?

seals, Mediterranean food web Since they are at the top, their protection is very important. However, “Seals are very lonely.” The reason for the expression is due to extinction.

All on the shores of the Mediterranean While they were alive, today they are stuck only in our country, the coasts of Greece and the northwestern coast of Africa, and they are in danger of extinction. Habitat loss, overhunting and intentional killing are the main reasons for this extinction.

It’s whiskers are what help it navigate underwater.

vibrissae Their whiskers, known as fins, serve as a vibration mechanism that helps them better explore their underwater environment and detect their prey. These whiskers, which have evolved to sensitively detect environmental touch and pressure changes, can detect the movement of objects and prey around them while underwater. Ability to sense ripples in water and obstacles under water, of seals It allows them to detect prey and react quickly to changes in their environment.

They have high levels of carbon monoxide in their blood, just like smokers.

Surprisingly, these mammals have high levels of carbon monoxide It is thought that this is due to the fact that they hold their breath for a long time during deep dives. In addition, the decrease in brain temperature by 3 degrees during diving reduces the oxygen need of their brains and thus increases their diving capacity. In this way, they can dive up to 2000 meters when necessary to find food.

Various species of seals around the world features and their behavior, animal science interesting information while presenting “How little we actually know about them!” It makes you say.

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