Marine mammalian carnivore endemic to the western coastal regions of North America, characterized by its distinctive physical adaptations for marine life
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal marine ecosystems along Pacific coast from southeast Alaska to central Mexico, including rocky shorelines, offshore islands, and coastal rookeries
Ecological Role
Key predator in marine food webs, controlling populations of fish and squid; significant species in marine ecosystem balance and ocean biodiversity
Morphology
SKIN COATDense, short fur with brown to dark brown coloration; males typically darker and more robust than females
LIMBS WINGSPowerful fore-flippers used for swimming and terrestrial locomotion; rear flippers capable of rotating underneath body for efficient movement on land and in water
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes, prominent whiskers (vibrissae), acute hearing underwater; rounded head with pronounced sagittal crest in males
BODY STRUCTUREStreamlined, robust body adapted for aquatic locomotion, typically 2.0-2.5 m in length, weighing 200-400 kg; muscular torso with prominent chest and powerful flippers
