Seals and Sea Lions: Adaptation and Care

The video discusses the intelligence and adaptability of seals and sea lions, focusing on their interaction with humans and their training for health care purposes. It highlights the family lineage of gray seals at the National Zoo, particularly Selkie, a gray seal with a history in the US Navy. The video also covers Selkie's adaptation to vision loss and her contribution to the genetic population of seals in captivity.

What characteristic of seals and sea lions makes them enjoyable to work with?

• Their ability to swim fast

• Their intelligence and social nature

• Their colorful appearance

• Their large size

What is the primary purpose of bulking up the diet of seals and sea lions in winter?

• To make them more active

• To help them gain weight

• To insulate them with blubber

• To improve their swimming speed

Why is training important for seals and sea lions in zoos?

• To ensure they are healthy and can participate in their own care

• To make them more aggressive

• To prepare them for release into the wild

• To teach them tricks for entertainment

What is a key aspect of the seals' and sea lions' training at the zoo?

• Learning to hunt for food

• Competing with other animals

• Participating in their own healthcare

• Learning to perform in shows

Who is Silkie in the context of the National Zoo?

• A famous sea lion

• A grandmother gray seal

• A type of fish

• A trainer at the zoo

What was Silkie trained to do while working with the US Navy?

• Perform tricks for entertainment

• Communicate with dolphins

• Retrieve tools for divers

• Lead other seals in the water

How does Silkie adapt to her loss of vision?

• By swimming slower

• By using her sense of smell more

• By relying on her ears and whiskers

• By staying close to other seals

How long can Silkie hold her breath underwater?

• 5 minutes

• 20 minutes

• 10 minutes

• 30 minutes

What is significant about Silkie's lineage at the National Zoo?

• It is the largest family of seals in the world

• It contributes to the genetic diversity of seals in captivity

• It is the only family of seals in the zoo

• It includes the oldest seal in the zoo

What does Silkie's ability to adapt to her environment demonstrate?

• Her intelligence and resilience

• Her need for constant care

• Her preference for solitude

• Her inability to interact with other seals