Marine mammalian carnivore inhabiting coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by adaptations for semi-aquatic marine environments
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal marine ecosystems including rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and ice floes across North Atlantic and North Pacific regions
Ecological Role
Key marine predator regulating prey populations, indicator species for marine ecosystem health, and critical component of coastal marine food webs
Morphology
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SKIN COAT
Dense, insulating blubber layer, fur coloration ranging from gray to brown with complex mottled patterns
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LIMBS WINGS
Short, powerful flippers for swimming, with rear flippers used for steering and forward propulsion
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HEAD SENSORY
Rounded head with large eyes, sensitive vibrissae (whiskers), excellent underwater vision and hearing capabilities
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BODY STRUCTURE
Streamlined torpedo-shaped body, approximately 1.5-1.9 meters in length, weighing 60-170 kg, adapted for efficient marine locomotion
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Giles Laurent
ADSENSE VERTICAL
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