Arctic Chills #2 | Seals

 They are carnivorous. Very closely related to the dog and bear families than any others.

They are carnivorous animals. They have smooth and streamlined bodies for more efficiency in water. Some species are covered in short hairs ( very dense ; Northern fur seal ). They are most closely related to the bears and the dog families, but they took off from them very early on , on the evolutionary chart.

 They are called "Pinnipeds" ( Fin-Feet ). Their limbs are modified into flippers with toes covered by the skin, which helps in pushing more water backward while swimming. 

Their circulatory system is well suited to it's lifestyle that it shuts down blood supply to certain organs when in lack, or for more focus during hunting. Some of them dive up to as much as 1.5 to 2 km underwater stay for up to half an hour. They breathe air and surface frequently for air. Although they are clumsy and lazy looking on land they are gracefully quick underwater swimming at speeds of about 10kmph and reach all the way till 30kmph. They come to land very rarely for breeding. 

They hunt on smaller fish and lead a solitary life. Their main predators are Polar bears and Killer whales. 

Baby seals are called "Pups", and adults are called "Cows" and "Bulls" ( Female, male ). They are of all sizes from 1 to 4 meters in length and weigh 3 tonnes.

A common seal pup

A full grown common seal

Halichoerus Grypus, these species grow till 10 feet.

Hydrurga leptonyx, Longest of all seals at 12 feet are the 'Leopard seals' are also the fastest. They swim at speeds of about 23mph ( 37kmph ).

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