mammals
classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Phocidae
Genus: Pagophilus
Species: groenlandicus
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Phocidae
Genus: Pagophilus
Species: groenlandicus
Morphology
The adult harp seal has a distinct marking on its upperside of the body. It crates a harp or horseshoe shape and that's where it gets its common name. Harp seals pups have thick, white, insulating fur that becomes lighter in the first two weeks of life. After about two weeks their fur begins to moult. These seals can make bird noises as well as clicks that threaten others. They are bilaterally symmetrical. The female is generally smaller than the male. The fore and hind flippers bare claws that help with maneuvering in the ice.
Biology
The Harp Seal is an outstanding swimmer and can move fast on the ice. It uses its flippers to propel itself through the water. The hind and fore flippers are also used to fight for the access of females, as well as for heat regulation. A thick layer of blubber also helps insulate and is a main source of energy when prey is not readily available. The harp seal has very sensitive ears and eyes, which are supplemented with whiskers. They use these things to detect their prey by sensing vibrations. Most marine animals have tear ducts but the harp seal does not.
distribution map
importance
Harp seals are very important economically. They are the second most hunted seal. They are killed for their fur, oil, and leather. Native people eat them and say they are good in fiber. Now some places can kill a limited number of harp seals and in other places hunting is banned. The ecological importance doesn't mix with humans well. Harp seals eat fish, crustaceans, and other predators. People who fish for a living sometimes have a rough time getting the right amount and don't do so well selling because of harp seals.
facts
1. Harp seals are also known as saddleback seals.
2. Pups don't have blubber at birth.
3. They spend little time on land and more time swimming.
4. They return to their birthing land and many males fight other males to try and get a female.
5. Females gather in groups to give birth.
2. Pups don't have blubber at birth.
3. They spend little time on land and more time swimming.
4. They return to their birthing land and many males fight other males to try and get a female.
5. Females gather in groups to give birth.
Vocabulary
1. Moult- periodic shedding of the outermost body covering during development, or at specific times during the year.
2. Pack ice- sea ice that floats on the surface of the water.
3. Ampipods- a group of small shrimp-like crustaceans that includes sandhoppers, beach hoppers, and water lice.
4. Vagrant- an indivisual found outside the normal range of species.
5. Pelagic- relating to or inhabiting the open ocean.
2. Pack ice- sea ice that floats on the surface of the water.
3. Ampipods- a group of small shrimp-like crustaceans that includes sandhoppers, beach hoppers, and water lice.
4. Vagrant- an indivisual found outside the normal range of species.
5. Pelagic- relating to or inhabiting the open ocean.
sources
arkive
national geographic
national geographic kids
national geographic
national geographic kids