Seal

"clumsy on land, poetry in water"

interesting facts

• · Seals are pinnipeds — 'fin-footed' marine mammals — alongside sea lions and walruses.
• · Some seals can dive over 1,500 m (4,900 ft) and hold their breath for nearly two hours.
• · Their whiskers (vibrissae) are so sensitive they can track a fish's wake in total darkness.
• · A seal's blood carries far more oxygen than ours, and they slow their heart rate to conserve it underwater.
• · True seals lack external ear flaps and wriggle on land; sea lions have flaps and can 'walk' on all fours.
• · Mother and pup recognize each other on a crowded beach by voice alone within hours of birth.