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Gray Seal
Halichoerus Gypus
Mammal
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Physical Description
Gray seal coloration varies
from a black color to white specks and splotches to whitish with black markings.
Mostly, males are darker and females are lighter. Seal pups are born white
with a yellowish tint. The males have wrinkled necks, thicker necks and
shoulders, and longer, broader, more rounded snouts that females.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Gray seals breed in a
variety of habitats where disturbance is minimal, including rocky shores,
sandbars, ice flows, and islands. They feed in cold open waters. Gray seals
eat a wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans, such as shrimp.
Sometimes they eat a seabird or two. Small fish are swallowed whole, while
larger fish are held in the seal's mouth and torn into smaller more easily
swallowed pieces with claws on their front flippers.
Reproduction :
Half of a gray seals life
is spent on land the other half in water. Seals are diving mammals, and
have evolved the ability to stay underwater for long periods of time. The
reproductive behavior of gray seals also demonstrates the "double life"
of seals. Some seals migrate across the ocean to breed or feed.
Fun facts!: The Gray seal's scientific name Halichoerus
gyrpus, derives from the Greek words meaning " Hooked nosed sea pig"
Habitat : Coastal year- round, entering some rivers
and some lakes.
Role in the Ecosystem: The role that the Grey Seal plays in the
ecosystem is eating fish and other bottom feeders so they don't over populate.
Bibliography: www.coastalstudies.org/what-wedo/sellwagerbank/seal-indetification.html
www.une.edu/cas/msc/seals.asp
www.nationalzoo.si.edu/oceanliving/facts/graysealfacts.cfm
www.science.jrank.org/6024/seals.html
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