Elephant Seals Flashcard

Front

What helps keep southern elephant seals warm in their icy habitat?

Back

A thick layer of blubber.

Front

What do male elephant seals do to battle for dominance?

Back

Inflate their snouts and bellow.

Front

How deep can elephant seals dive to hunt for food?

Back

1,000 to 4,000 feet.

Front

Why do elephant seals come to land?

Back

To give birth and breed, and to molt.

Front

Why do male elephant seals battle for dominance before breeding?

Back

To decide who will have large harems of females.

Front

What is blubber?

Back

A thick layer of fat that insulates animals in cold environments.

Front

What is the primary purpose of male elephant seals inflating their snouts?

Back

To attract females and establish dominance.

Front

What is a harem in the context of elephant seals?

Back

A group of females that a dominant male mates with.

Front

What is molting?

Back

The process of shedding old skin or fur to make way for new growth.

Front

How do elephant seals hunt for food?

Back

By diving deep into the ocean to catch fish and squid.