A marine mammal of the Otariidae family characterized by its robust body and distinctive fur adaptation for cold Antarctic environments
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Subantarctic and Antarctic coastal regions, including South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, and Antarctic Peninsula
Ecological Role
Key marine predator, plays significant role in Antarctic marine ecosystem food web and indicator species for climate change impacts
Morphology
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SKIN COAT
Dense two-layer fur with waterproof outer layer and insulating inner layer, dark brown to gray coloration
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LIMBS WINGS
Robust flippers enabling efficient swimming, rear flippers can rotate for locomotion on land
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HEAD SENSORY
Large eyes, acute hearing, sensitive whiskers for underwater navigation and prey detection
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BODY STRUCTURE
Streamlined body, adult males weighing 160-250 kg, females 25-55 kg, length ranges 1.8-2.3 meters
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Godot13
ADSENSE VERTICAL
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