A marine mammal belonging to the family Phocidae, characterized by its robust body and distinctive appearance in cold North Atlantic and Baltic Sea environments.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal regions of North Atlantic, including northeastern United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Iceland, and Baltic Sea; primarily inhabits rocky shores, islands, and coastal marine ecosystems
Ecological Role
Key marine predator controlling fish populations, contributing to marine food web balance and serving as indicator species for marine ecosystem health
Morphology
- SKIN COAT Thick blubber layer for thermal insulation, dense grey-brown fur with mottled patterns providing camouflage
- LIMBS WINGS Flipper-like hindlimbs for powerful swimming, short front flippers used for navigation and limited terrestrial movement
- HEAD SENSORY Large rounded head, prominent eyes with excellent underwater vision, sensitive whiskers for detecting prey movement
- BODY STRUCTURE Robust, streamlined body adapted for marine environments, typically 1.8-2.3 meters in length and weighing 150-300 kg
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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