What is a Pinniped?
The word “pinniped” means fin- or flipper-footed and refers to the marine mammals that have front and rear flippers.
Pinnipeds are a diverse group of marine mammals that includes seals, walruses and sea lions. Pinnipeds are highly adapted to life in the water and can be found in all oceans of the world.
Pinnipeds are characterized by their streamlined bodies, webbed feet and large flippers. These adaptations allow pinnipeds to be powerful swimmers and excellent divers. Pinnipeds are also able to spend long periods of time underwater, thanks to their efficient respiratory systems.
Pinnipeds are carnivores and feed on a variety of marine animals, including fish, squid and crustaceans. Some species of pinniped, such as the walrus, are also known to eat significant amounts of vegetation.
Pinnipeds are social animals and can often be seen hauled out on beaches or ice floes, sunbathing and socializing. Pinnipeds give birth to live young and care for their offspring for extended periods of time.
Despite their aquatic lifestyle, pinnipeds are vulnerable to a number of threats, including overfishing, pollution and habitat loss. climate change is also a concern, as it can cause sea ice to melt, which can impact the habitat of pinnipeds and other Arctic animals.
List of Pinnipeds
Common Seal
Elephant Seal
Galapagos Fur Seals
Galapagos Sea Lions
Grey Seal
Harp Seal
Sea Lion
Walrus
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