A marine mammal endemic to Antarctic coastal regions, known for its remarkable ability to inhabit extremely cold environments with complex diving capabilities.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal Antarctic ice shelves and sea ice regions, primarily distributed around the Antarctic continent between 60-78°S latitude
Ecological Role
Key predator in Antarctic marine ecosystems, regulating prey populations and serving as an indicator species for climate change impacts
Morphology
SKIN COATThick blubber layer (5-6 cm) for thermal insulation, grayish-brown fur with mottled patterns
LIMBS WINGSBroad, flipper-like appendages for efficient swimming, capable of deep diving to depths of 600 meters
HEAD SENSORYLarge rounded head with prominent whiskers, excellent underwater vision and echolocation capabilities
BODY STRUCTURERobust, cylindrical body adapted for marine environment, averaging 3.0-3.5 meters in length and weighing 400-600 kg
