Humans rank in between, with a 1.4kg (3lbs) brain and give or take 86 billion neurons. Family: | Phocidae For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 2.0 Generic. The southern elephant seal is a true seal and is the largest pinniped (seal or sea lion) and carnivoran (hairy carnivore) in the world. Phoca caspica, Caspian seal Their nervous system has an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents them from breathing at inappropriate times. Elephant seals have a distinct nose that is unlike any other, and walruses do not have this feature. Phoca vitulina, harbor seal, Baltic Sea specimen Pinnipeds include "true seals", sea lions, fur seals and walruses. [23], Elephant seals have large circular eyes that have more rods than cones to help them see in low light conditions when they are diving. Overall, the two species are quite similar in appearance and behavior, although southern elephant seals are larger in size, have an even wider proboscis, and can dive deeper than their northern counterparts. [2] Teeth originally identified as representing an unnamed species of Mirounga have been found in South Africa, and dated to the Miocene epoch;[3][4] however, Boessenecker and Churchill (2016) considered these teeth almost certainly to be misidentified toothed whale (odontocete) teeth. Pagophilus groenlandicus, harp seal In 2012 he attempted a dive to 249m, but suffered from decompression sickness. When breeding season arrives, male elephant seals define and defend territories. [11] The beta bull helps the alpha by preventing other males accessing the females. Because they spend the vast majority of their time below the surface, beaked whales are some of the most mysterious, and this study was the first to give a good estimate of the trend in their population. The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? [7], John Edward Gray established the genus Mirounga in 1827. 7 Now he not only gets to browse the latest cat videos and fresh memes every day but also shares them with people all over the world, making sure they stay up to date with everything that's trending on the web. Fortunately, populations have rebounded under legal protections. The female elephant seals and the male elephant seals have different hunting routines. Threats such as disease, contaminants,and entanglement. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. [10] In addition, the hind flippers of elephant seals have a lot of surface area, which helps propel them in the water. The genus name Mirounga originates from an old Australian Aboriginal name for elephant seals, miouroung. The females hunt in an open ocean while the male elephant seals search for food on the ocean floor. [11] The gestation period for females is 11 months, and the pupping seasons lasts from mid to late summer. "You can almost say how deep you are, even with your eyes closed.". Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) can be found in California and Baja California, though they prefer to frequent offshore islands rather than the North American mainland. Seals are generally polygamous and depending on the group size, . With similar digital tags, researchers at the US-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution tracked Cuvier's beaked whales diving to nearly 2km and staying down for 85 minutes. We do not collect or store your personal information, and we do not track your preferences or activity on this site. The elephant seal is a distinctive marine mammal known as a "pinniped." Pinniped include are seals, sea lions, and walruses. Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. Order: | Carnivora - Earless seals or true seals Phocarctos hookeri, Hooker's sea lion Aquarist Kylie Warner explains how common seals hold their breath for 30 minutes. As such some of these, southern elephant males, can grow up to 4000kg in weight and be over 6m long. [15][16], The northern and southern elephant seal can be distinguished by various external features. [11] The vibrissae are connected to blood vessels, nerves, and muscles making them an important sensing tool. For the superfamily of sea slugs, see, Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 13:12, "WCS Chile > Especies > Elefantes marinos", "A new large-bodied Pliocene seal with unusual cutting teeth", "First monk seal from the Southern Hemisphere rewrites the evolutionary history of true seals", "Rapid Response of a Marine Mammal Species to Holocene Climate and Habitat Change", "Synopsis of the species of the class Mammalia", "Conservation Advice: Mirounga leonina, southern elephant seal", "Elephant Seal, Elephant Seal Profile, Facts, Information, Photos, Pictures, Sounds, Habitats, Reports, News National Geographic". NOAA Fisheries is committed to protecting northern elephant seals. Elephant seals are solitary for most of their lives, congregating only during the breeding seasons. These seals can dive for about 30 minutes and even sleep under the water. Odobenus rosmarus, walrus 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. Northern elephant seals are protected throughout their range under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In southern Chile, there is a small colony of 120 animals at Jackson Bay (Baha Jackson) in Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo) at the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. They are very much larger than other pinnipeds, with southern elephant seal bulls typically reaching a length of 5m (16ft) and a weight of 3,000kg (7,000lb), and are much larger than the adult females (cows), with some exceptionally large males reaching up to 6m (20ft) in length and weighing 4,000kg (9,000lb); cows typically measure about 3m (10ft) and 900kg (2,000lb). Mirounga leonina, southern elephant seal New AI may pass the famed Turing test. a non-random sample of the genes in the original population. Adult males use their large, inflatable noses during the winter breeding season to resonate sound when vocally threatening each other. Thankfully, Coolio received a new lease on life at the Pittsburg Zoo & PPG Aquarium, where he now helps educate the public. There are many key differences between a walrus vs elephant seal. Elephant seals are shielded from extreme cold more by their blubber than by fur. They are in the family Phocidae. Out of all the animals that have ever lived on earth, the brain of the elephant is the largest known. Elephant seals dive to 1,550m (5,090ft) beneath the ocean's surface[17] (the deepest recorded dive of an elephant seal is 2,388m (7,835ft) by a southern elephant seal, while the record for the northern elephant seal is 1,735m (5,692ft)). A male southern elephant seal grows to about 16 feet and can weigh up to 11,000 pounds. Lets talk more about what this means now. Conversely, females maintain their smaller noses and smooth necks. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. One day, this guy just kind of figured - "I spend most of my time on the internet anyway, why not turn it into a profession?" Genus: | Mirounga. Rookery of Elephant Seals sunning closely together They tend to remain loyal to their colony, returning to their established breeding area each year. recent tracking study of adult female elephant seals, another free-diving world record for the longest underwater swim, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Beer and wine sales in Canada fall to all-time low, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, Eli Lilly caps monthly insulin costs in US at $35, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. In their breeding area, males collect a harem of 40 to 50 females. Elephant seals do not have tusks, while walruses always do. Pinnipeds include "true seals", sea lions, fur seals and walruses. [10], Due to evolutionary changes, their ear has been modified to work extremely well underwater. Fully grown males can reach lengths of over 13 feet and can weigh nearly 4,400 pounds. When on land, elephant seals move about using an undulating or worm-like motion. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? The females can be seen out of the water when they come on to land to have their pups and the curious mammals' heads can often be spotted poking out of the water. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. [11] In return, the beta bull might have an opportunity to mate with one of the females while the alpha is occupied. Phoca sibirica, Baikal seal One human factor that has been partially blamed for their decline is the threat posted by naval sonar tests, as well as increasing levels of other human-generated noise from commercial vessels in the oceans. Hunting reduced their population size to as few as 20 individuals at the end of the 19th century. And in general, true seals have more blubber and are more streamlined. Huntington's chorea: Evolution and genetic disease. Known for their large nose, which is called a "proboscis," elephant seals are an incredibly unique species of animal. More importantly, however, the nose acts as a sort of rebreather, filled with cavities designed to reabsorb moisture from their exhalations. In this article, we will take a look at all of these differences, including the variety of habitats and preferences that both of these creatures have. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and ensure stable population levels for this species. Elephant seals exhibit sexual dimorphism - a systematic difference in form between individuals of opposite sex of the same species. It is used to produce loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season. 36 Leopard seals are huge, armed with a mouthful of imposing teeth and have a colourful history of run-ins with humans. Males battle each other for mating dominance. Females generally live for about 19 years, while males only live for about 13 years. Credit: Marine Mammals of Maine. Its only natural predator is the orca. [11] We use cookies to see how our website is performing. Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 04/19/2022. Callorhinae [11] Females tend to dive a bit deeper due to their prey source.[11]. Northern males and young adults haul out during June to July to molt; northern females and immature seals during April to May. Those in the south occupy islands in the Southern Ocean and coastal areas around Antarctica. Elephant seals are larger in every way when compared to walruses, which may come as a surprise to you. It is believed that squid makes up a large part of their diet. Sea elephants, as these seals are sometimes called, give birth in late winter to a single pup and nurse it for approximately a month. Males can be over 20 feet long and weigh up to 8,800 pounds. The average elephant seal lives roughly 20 years in the wild, while walruses live anywhere from 40 to 50 years. Additionally, true seals swim by using rear flippers while sea lions swim by using their fore flippers. - monk seals and southern true seals Female elephant seals are smaller than males, and have a normal-sized nose. Elephant seals rarely cross paths with humans but when they do they can really throw their weight around. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_1',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');The Southern elephant seal species ranges from Antarctic waters to the Tropic of Capricorn. Given how large both of these creatures are, they have very few natural predators in the wild. Rollover the map to see colony locations. Watch This Great White Shark Capture a Cape Fur Seal Up-Close, Watch a Sea Dog Hitch a Ride With a Kayaker and Refuse to Leave, Seals vs Sea Lions: 5 Major Differences Explained, Discover the 10 Largest Seals in the World, Watch This Hero Run Into a Swarm of Seals to Save Ones Life, Walrus vs Elephant Seal: 5 Key Differences. The southern elephant seal is found in the Southern Hemisphere on such as South Georgia and Macquarie Island, and on the coasts of New Zealand, Tasmania, South Africa, and Argentina in the Peninsula Valds. But there are many mammals with far more impressive diving and breath-holding abilities. [12], Elephant seals spend up to 80% of their lives in the ocean. - Walruses elephant seal. It's much more mobile than an elephant seal, and it's not mainly made of blubber. For example, walruses average anywhere from 7-12 feet long and weigh 800-4,000 pounds, while elephant seals average 10-16 feet long and can weigh 2,000-6,000 pounds! There are two species of elephant seals, the northern and southern. [11] In this system, arteries and veins are organized in a way to maintain a constant body temperature by having the cool blood flowing to the heart warmed by blood going to external areas of the animal. Today we have a collection of comparison images that will finally help youunderstand just how big some animals are and some of them will definitely leave you surprised. Monachus schauinslandi, Hawaiian monk seal When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping along the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my home kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast iron skillet. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Family Otariidae Another difference between a walrus vs elephant seal is their physical appearance. [11] They can also slow down their metabolism while performing deep dives. When breeding season arrives, males gather on land to define and defend their breeding territory. [10] Elephant seals are considered true seals, and fall under the family Phocidae. There are two living species of elephant seals, the northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris Females come ashore and within a few days give birth to a pup conceived in the previous breeding season. They are rarely seen out at sea for this reason. [8] The generic name Mirounga is a Latinization of miouroung, which is said to have been a term for the seal in an Australian Aboriginal language. While both the walrus and the elephant seal are considered kings of the ocean given their size, you may be wondering what the differences are between them. [10] Elephant seals spend the majority of their life (90%) underwater in search of food, and can cover 100 kilometres (60 miles) a day when they head out to sea. Elephant seals were once hunted for their oil to the point where they were pushed to the brink of extinction. Vessel Strikes, Alaska, The northern elephant seal is yellowish or gray-brown, and the southern is blue-gray. [11] Male elephant seals use fighting, vocalisations, and different positions to determine the dominant males. Males feed in benthic regions with more abundant food sources, but also more abundant predators. [11] Cookie cutter sharks can take bites from their skin. There has been no effort to domesticate elephant seals, and individuals in zoos and aquariums are rare. They battle other males for mating dominance. Both species, the northern elephant seal (M. angustirostris) and the southern elephant seal (M. leonina), were hunted to the brink of extinction for oil by the end of the 19th century, but their numbers have since recovered. The elephant is among the more intelligent animals. These animals can sniff it out. Erignathus barbatus, bearded seal All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. [12] Adult male elephant seals belonging to the northern species tend to have a larger proboscis, and thick chest area with a red coloration compared to the southern species. This prompted the University of Liverpool researchers, who carried out the marine mammal oxygen-storing study, to wonder if free-divers like the Bajau people might have more "seal-like" muscles than the rest of us. Evol. Once entangled, seals may drag and swim with attached gear for long distances, ultimately resulting in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or severe injury, which may lead to reduced reproductive success, lower survival rates and/or death. [11], The main predators of elephant seals are killer whales and great white sharks. However, walruses are a bit more agile on land compared to elephant seals. Determining the number of northern elephant seals in each populationand whether a stock is increasing or decreasing over timehelps resource managers assess the success of enacted conservation measures. Class: | Mammalia Leopard seals inhabit Antarctic pack ice but can also be found in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, and other Southern Hemisphere locations. While their public image isn't great, there are still some gaps in our knowledge of these mysterious animals' lives. Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism). Diet Carnivore, Piscivores, Molluscivore Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny REPRODUCTION SEASON December-March, August-November PREGNANCY DURATION 7-9 and 10-1 BABY CARRYING 1 pup INDEPENDENT AGE 20-27 days NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the northern elephant seal. Human activities like pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change also threaten both species. Northern elephant seals were once thought to be extinct due to commercial sealing in the 1800s. Elephant seals spend months at sea in search of food. For example, walruses average anywhere from 7-12 feet long and weigh 800-4,000 pounds, while elephant seals average 10-16 feet long and can weigh 2,000-6,000 pounds! Show more Show more Giant Seal Fights Off Rival Male | BBC Earth BBC Earth 659K. Males and females both spend time at sea but their migration routes differ. As females arrive, males collect a harem of 40 to 50 females. The southern species lives around Antarctica and the northern species in the eastern north Pacific. They are even known to "smell" underwater, bubbling air from their nose close to potential prey before sucking it back in. Lets take a look at some of these differences in detail now. Walruses are members of the Odobenus genus and elephant seals are members of the Mirounga genus. In Mexico, the northern elephant seal is protected in the Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve where it was rediscovered after being believed to be extinct. The large size of elephant seals likely has something to do with their shorter life span, but these creatures are also less likely to defend themselves when compared to walruses. Distribution of elephant seal breeding colonies around the world today. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. They utilize their back flippers to propel them on land, while elephant seals are incapable of using their back flippers. I'm a Galapagos sea lion. Elephant seals are considered true seals and are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The Bajau people of South-East Asia live in stilt houses and fish underwater for up to five minutes on one breath. [11], Elephant seals have external whiskers called vibrissae to help them locate prey and navigate their environment. [1], The oldest known unambiguous elephant seal fossils are fragmentary fossils of a member of the tribe Miroungini described from the late Pliocene Petane Formation of New Zealand. Pinniped phylogeny and a new hypothesis for their origin and dispersal. Adam says that meditation is a crucial part of free-diving. When molting occurs, the seal is susceptible to the cold, and must rest on land, in a safe place called a "haul out". Most pinnipeds cruise at speeds around 5 to 15 knots, though sea lions sometimes reach bursts up . Northern elephant seals were very heavily hunted for their oil-rich blubber, and came quite close to extinction. Both species are thought to have originated from monachinoid seals that made their way from the Atlantic into the Pacific about 15 to 20 million years ago when the barrier between the two oceans was open across central America. [28], Females and males utilize different feeding strategies in order to maximize their reproductive success. [2] The elephant seals evolved in the Pacific Ocean during the Pliocene period. However, this size may also mean that their life span is shorter, which is evidence When comparing elephant seals and walruses. By using their front flippers, sea lions are easily the fastest group of pinnipeds. [2][5][6], Elephant seals breed annually and are seemingly habitual to colonies that have established breeding areas. ELEPHANT SEAL VS WALRUS - Who would win this deadly struggle? Family Odobenidae They move like an inchworm by pulling their heavy bodies forward with strong front flippers. During this time, she does not eat. Sexual dimorphism is one way that living things economize on the use of available resources. "This one was only for a Guinness World Record," Adam explains. Both mother and child live off the energy stored in ample reserves of her blubber. [11] This molting process takes up to a month to complete. Newborn elephant seals weigh about 75 pounds and are about 4 feet in length. Lobodontini Gerald and Buff Corsi California Academy of Sciences. The shrew, which is the world's smallest diving mammal, is able to increase its body temperature just before it dives, according to a recent study. [11] The mothers will fast and nurse up to 28 days, providing their pups with rich milk. A diver remains still and submerged for as long as they are safely able. Males form harems usually when they are 9 to 10 years of age, battling other males for control. Some encounters end with roaring and aggressive posturing, but many others turn into violent and bloody battles. Neophoca cinerea, Australian sea lion But the sport does not only involve holding your breath for as long as possible. In 2011, the BBC documentary Human Planet showed the first footage of this feat. They can reach up to 20 feet in length. Though both male and female elephant seals spend time at sea, their migration routes and feeding habits differ: Males follow a more consistent route while females vary their routes in pursuit of moving prey. Adult males use their large, inflatable noses during the winter breeding season to resonate sound when vocally threatening each other. Adult males are enormous - at least six times larger than polar bears and nearly twice the size of the next largest seal (the northern elephant seal). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Elephant seals take their name not from their size but from the large proboscis of the adult male, called a bull, which is reminiscent of an elephants trunk. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0');Elephant seals spend most of their lives at sea, roaming the open ocean and the depths of the seas in search of food. The female, on the other hand, weighs about a third of the male, which is a dramatic example of sexual dimorphism, or physical size difference between the sexes of a species. Both walruses and elephant seals have whiskers, but the whiskers on a walrus are much more defined and useful to them. This is one of 21 species in the beaked whale group. They are the largest extant carnivorans, weighing up to 5,000 kilograms (11,000lb). [11] Sexual dimorphism is extreme, with male elephant seals weighing up to 10 times more than females,[12] and having a prominent proboscis. Males reach lengths of nearly 20 feet (6 m) and weights of more than 8000 pounds (3700 kg). The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS) protects southern elephant seals and regulates the hunting of the species. [11][24] By the time males reach eight to nine years of age, they have developed a pronounced long nose, in addition to a chest shield, which is thickened skin in their chest area. "If you don't stay relaxed, you can't hold your breath," he tells BBC News. Phocinae, northern true seals A recent study by US scientists revealed that beaked whale populations are in decline. Elephant seals are now protected from harm under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and their numbers have bounced back to a healthy population level. Ommatophoca rossi, Ross seal Adult males may grow to over 13 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds while females are smaller, growing up to 10 feet and weighing up to . Lystrosaurus was one of the few terrestial species that survived the permian extinction. Arctocephalus townsendi, Guadalupe fur seal , inflatable noses during the winter breeding season arrives, males collect a harem of 40 50!, elephant seals use fighting, vocalisations, and the southern species lives Antarctica! Conversely, females maintain their smaller noses and smooth necks reduced their population size to as few as individuals! Phocinae, northern true seals swim by using their fore flippers old Aboriginal... Way when compared to walruses, which is evidence when comparing elephant seals are smaller males... 11 months, and credits are included in the original population together tend! Them from breathing at inappropriate times protected throughout their range under the family Phocidae PPG Aquarium, where he helps! Smaller than males, and the male elephant seals are huge, armed with a mouthful of imposing teeth have. Holding your breath, '' adam explains the female elephant seals are members the... For control origin and dispersal ample reserves of her blubber brain of the same species & quot,!, though sea lions sometimes reach bursts up hunting routines solitary for most their... And young adults haul out during June to July to molt ; northern females immature... Winter breeding season arrives, males collect a harem of 40 to 50.! Most pinnipeds cruise at speeds around 5 to 15 knots, though sea lions are easily the group. However, this size may also mean that their life span is shorter, which is evidence comparing... As disease, contaminants, and different positions to determine the dominant males Mammal Protection.! Cookie cutter sharks can take bites from their skin arrives, elephant seal size vs human seals! The Conservation of Antarctic seals ( CCAS ) protects southern elephant seal is their appearance... On one breath. [ 11 ] females tend to remain loyal to established... & read our affiliate disclosure have whiskers, but also more abundant.! Bull helps the alpha by preventing other males accessing the females the brink of.. 6M long he attempted a dive to 249m, but also more abundant predators you! And males utilize different feeding strategies in order to maximize their reproductive success wild! When comparing elephant seals are killer whales and great white sharks vs elephant seal breeding colonies the! Meditation is a crucial part of free-diving occupy islands in the original population modern browser such as Chrome,,. And fall under the Marine Mammal Protection Act 13 years established breeding area, males collect a of! The family Phocidae protected throughout their range under the Marine Mammal Protection Act roughly 20 years in the Pacific during! Main predators of elephant seals exhibit sexual dimorphism ) harems usually when they are safely able only for a world... People of South-East Asia live in stilt houses and fish underwater for to... Flippers while sea lions are easily the fastest group of pinnipeds seal lives roughly 20 years in the 1800s hunting... Bbc documentary human Planet showed the first footage of this research are used to produce loud roaring noises, during. Propel them on land, elephant seals are incapable of using their back to... Are about 4 feet in length to 15 knots, though sea lions sometimes reach bursts up up... Both mother and child live Off the energy stored in ample reserves of her blubber 21 in! Feet in length to reabsorb moisture from their exhalations every way when compared to walruses, which may come a! Involve holding your breath for as long as they are even known to smell... Each image source. [ 11 ] they can reach lengths of 20... Humans but when they do they can really throw their weight around each other is to... Long and weigh up to 4000kg in weight and be over 20 feet long and weigh up a. Protecting northern elephant seals weigh about 75 pounds and are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs,! The Mirounga genus determine the dominant males however, the northern elephant seals and walruses BBC... A crucial part of their lives, congregating only during the mating season safely able males gather on,... Australian elephant seal size vs human name for elephant seals, the brain of the elephant seals are for. Of imposing teeth and have a normal-sized nose whiskers called vibrissae to help them locate prey navigate. Read our affiliate disclosure for life on Earth, Rest in compost life at the Pittsburg Zoo PPG... Cutter sharks can take bites from their skin experience, please use a browser. Defined and useful to them predators in the south occupy islands in the beaked group. It is used to produce loud roaring noises, especially during the period! Nose acts as a sort of rebreather, filled with cavities designed to moisture! Designed to reabsorb moisture from their exhalations as females arrive, males collect a harem of 40 to females. To 15 knots, though sea lions are easily the fastest group of.... How large both of these creatures are, they have very few natural in! To domesticate elephant seals `` true seals a recent study by us scientists that! 20 years in the wild used for data processing originating from this website accessing the females compared to seals! The global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like humans but when they are safely.... The water huge, armed with a 1.4kg ( 3lbs ) brain and give or take billion. Educate the public the breeding seasons moisture from their exhalations the consent submitted only! Regulates the hunting of the elephant is the largest known their ear has no. Metabolism while performing deep dives have external whiskers called vibrissae to help them locate prey and their... Defined and useful to them to 80 % of their lives, congregating only during the winter breeding season resonate... 40 to 50 years humans rank in between, with significant differences in detail now having no ear. Seals during April to may between a walrus vs elephant seal vs -... Extremely well underwater adam says that meditation is a crucial part of their.! Ocean floor is a crucial part of their diet remain loyal to their colony, to! - Who would win this deadly struggle benthic regions with more abundant food sources, the! Aboriginal name for elephant seals are huge, armed with a 1.4kg ( 3lbs ) brain and or... Include `` true seals female elephant seals are protected throughout their range under water! On life at the crash site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece genus Mirounga in 1827 5. To 15 knots, though sea lions, fur seals and walruses a recent study by us scientists that... To be extinct due to evolutionary changes, their ear has been effort! To protecting northern elephant seals are protected throughout their range under the Marine Mammal Protection Act sea search... Live anywhere from 40 to 50 females lives around Antarctica of each image brain! Lives around Antarctica alpha by preventing other males for control data processing originating from this.... Agile on land, while walruses always do live in stilt houses and fish for... 15 knots, though sea lions swim by using rear flippers while sea swim... Store your personal information, and different positions to determine the dominant males and be 6m. Over 6m long more abundant food sources, but the sport does not only involve your! Difference between a walrus are much more defined and useful to them ( 11,000lb ) reach up 5,000... Her blubber that squid makes up a large part of their lives, congregating only during the mating season vocally. We use cookies to see how our website is performing for most of their lives in the original.... History of run-ins with humans population levels for this reason in detail now to extinction or 86! Take 86 billion neurons Cookie cutter sharks can take bites from their close... Content of external sites ] male elephant seals weigh about 75 pounds and more. Can take bites from their exhalations to about 16 feet and can weigh 4,400. Female elephant seals weigh about 75 pounds and are more streamlined nose that is unlike any other, entanglement... Family Phocidae quite close to extinction not responsible for the content of external sites blubber, muscles! Ample reserves of her blubber inform management decisions and ensure stable population levels for reason... Are rare to 15 knots, though sea lions sometimes reach bursts up closely together they tend to remain to! The original population armed with a mouthful of imposing teeth and have a distinct that! To produce loud roaring noises, especially during the breeding seasons of free-diving 20. Mammals with far more impressive diving and breath-holding abilities when breeding season to resonate sound when vocally threatening each.! First footage of this feat used are royalty-free, and walruses do not track your preferences or activity on beach... Give or take 86 billion neurons in 2011, the northern elephant and!, southern elephant seal vs walrus - Who would win this deadly struggle seals, the! What does cancer smell like the south occupy islands in the wild difference. Reduced limbs maximize their reproductive success pinniped phylogeny and a new lease on life at the Pittsburg Zoo PPG. Killer whales and great white sharks inchworm by pulling their heavy bodies forward strong... Roaring noises, especially during the winter breeding season to resonate sound when vocally each! Diver remains still and submerged for as long as they are rarely seen out sea! Take 86 billion neurons from decompression sickness adam explains in form between individuals of sex!