Elephant seals are the largest extant carnivorans, weighing up to 8,800 pounds. Their nervous system has an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents them from breathing at inappropriate times. Phoca vitulina, harbor seal, Icelandic specimen Males feed in benthic regions with more abundant food sources, but also more abundant predators. Note that elephant seals spend most of their time away from these areas while foraging during the rest of the year. [11] Also, elephant seals have the ability to fast for long periods of time while breeding or molting. While both of these sea-dwelling mammals are extremely large, that is where their physical similarities end. While females vary their routes in pursuit of moving prey, males follow a more consistent route. Both species spend most of their lives at sea and return to land to breed and molt. [11] The reduction of their limbs helps them be more streamlined and move easily in the water. Graduating Southern Oregon University with a BFA in Theatre and a specialization in creative writing, I have an invested interest in a variety of topics, particularly Pacific Northwest history. I'm a northern They have a more streamlined body and move easily in the water. 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)). The smaller seal is an adult female and the much larger one with the trunk-like nose is an adult male. Credit: Marine Mammals of Maine. Males feed near the eastern Aleutian Islands and in the Gulf of Alaska, and females feed farther south, in the offshore waters of Washington and Oregon. NOAA Fisheries works to conserve the species through various efforts, including working to minimize harassment and illegal feeding, reduce interactions with fishing gear and oversee their health. Pagophilus groenlandicus, harp seal nah, elephant trunks are super sensitive, it would most likely hurt the elephant. Most of this time is underwater, diving to depths of about 1,000 to 2,500 feet for 20 to 30 minute intervals with only short breaks at the surface. [12] Females do not have the large proboscis and can be distinguished between species by looking at their nose characteristics. To find food, these mammals migrate and often spend months at sea, diving at great depths. It is estimated that the adult male northern elephant seal can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. Both of these creatures are much better suited for life in the water when compared to life on land. When breeding season arrives, male elephant seals define and defend territories. [11] The new pups will spend up to 10 additional weeks on land learning how to swim and dive.[11]. Lystrosaurus was one of the few terrestial species that survived the permian extinction. Genus: | Mirounga. Under legal protection, their numbers have rebounded. Most pinnipeds cruise at speeds around 5 to 15 knots, though sea lions sometimes reach bursts up . Elephant seals are considered true seals, and are in the family Phocidae. Humans rank in between, with a 1.4kg (3lbs) brain and give or take 86 billion neurons. [14] This is important during the mating season when the seals do not leave the beach to feed, and must conserve body moisture as there is no incoming source of water. The leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx ), also referred to as the sea leopard, [3] is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic (after the southern elephant seal ). Herbert Nitsch, an Austrian free-diver is recognised as the "deepest man on earth". Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. But the sport does not only involve holding your breath for as long as possible. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Aquarist Kylie Warner explains how common seals hold their breath for 30 minutes. Who created it? 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. While suckling their young, females do not eatboth mother and child live off the energy stored in ample reserves of her blubber. True seals lack external earflaps, although they hear through small holes on the sides of their heads that connect to normal internal hearing organs. Common seals even sleep underwater for short periods, The sperm whale can dive for up to an hour and to depths of a kilometre, Images of the Cuvier's beaked whale at the surface are rare, Tracking tags have allowed scientists to measure the deepest dives, "Silver bullets": Water shrews use speed to reduce the impact of colder waters when diving, There are eight different disciplines in free-diving, Professional free-divers train to improve their own oxygen storage. He is able to hold his breath for an impressive six minutes. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and ensure stable population levels for this species. Reconstruction of the world during the Miocene (20 million years before the present). Northern elephant seals can become entangled in fishing gear, either swimming off with the gear attached or becoming anchored and possibly drown if they cannot reach the surface to breathe. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, The new year once started in Marchhere's why, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. Females come ashore and within a few days give birth to a pup conceived in the previous breeding season. Targeted management actions taken to protect these seals include: Our research projects have discovered new aspects of northern elephant seal biology, behavior, and ecology and have helped us better understand the challenges that all elephant seals face. After an 11-month pregnancy, a female gives birth to a single pup in late winter. It is used to produce loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season. Northern elephant seals were once thought to be extinct due to commercial sealing in the 1800s. Not me. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 41, 345-354. They battle other males for mating dominance. It's much more mobile than an elephant seal, and it's not mainly made of blubber. "You feel your chest getting tighter, your body squished by pressure. Adults return to their feeding areas again between the spring/summer molt and the winter breeding season. Leptonychotes weddelli, Weddell seal Miroungini Walruses are members of the Odobenus genus, while elephant seals are members of the Mirounga genus. They are rarely seen out at sea for this reason. and the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Females give birth to a single pup each year after an 11-month pregnancy. It is believed that squid makes up a large part of their diet. Most of this time is underwater, diving to depths of about 1,000 to 2,500 feet for 20 to 30 minute intervals with only short breaks at the surface. [28], Females and males utilize different feeding strategies in order to maximize their reproductive success. In 2012 he attempted a dive to 249m, but suffered from decompression sickness. [12] Southern females tend to have a smaller, blunt nose compared to northern females. Please be respectful of copyright. The two creatures may indeed meet in the wild, but it is less common than you may think. Halichoerus grypus (Phoca grypa), grey seal Lobodon carcinophagus, crabeater seal During breeding season, Northern elephant seals inhabit sandy beaches, both on offshore islands and on some parts of the mainland United States. The leopard seal is an agile predator found in the waters of the Antarctic. It's me! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Northern elephant seals have reduced genetic variation probably because of a population bottleneck humans inflicted on them in the 1890s. Family Otariidae Northern elephant seals' diet primarily consists of squid and fishes, but they also consume rays and sharks. 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. On average, the southern elephant seal tends to be larger than the northern species. 2010-2023 DeMilked. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. Phylum: | Chordata Elephant seals are much larger than walruses, and walruses have distinct tusks where elephant seals dont. [11] The females and juveniles will molt first, followed by the sub adult males, and finally the large mature males. [10], Their body is covered in blubber, which helps them keep warm and reduce drag while they are swimming. During this time, she does not eat. This size makes the elephant seal a very impractical pet. They primarily feed on squid and fish, but their diet also includes sharks, rays, shellfish, krill, and algae. [2][5][6], Elephant seals breed annually and are seemingly habitual to colonies that have established breeding areas. [11] The gestation period for females is 11 months, and the pupping seasons lasts from mid to late summer. Males can be over 20 feet long and weigh up to 8,800 pounds. However, it is not known which language this represents. [13] The bull's proboscis is used in producing extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season. NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the northern elephant seal. [10] The structure of the inner ear helps amplify incoming sounds, and allows these seals to have good directional hearing due to the isolation of the inner ear. One of the most obvious differences between these two creatures is the presence of tusks. During the breeding season, elephant seals gather in large groups, called colonies. The study tracked female seals as they made one of their biannual foraging trips. [10], Due to evolutionary changes, their ear has been modified to work extremely well underwater. They are in the family Phocidae. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? They breathe air like humans and other mammals, reptiles and birds, but they spend most of their time at sea. [12], Elephant seals spend up to 80% of their lives in the ocean. A male elephant seal from the north can be as large as 13 feet long and weigh 4,400 pounds. "The contribution of nasal countercurrent heat exchange to water balance in the northern elephant seal, "Southern Elephant Seals of Sea Lion Island A Long-term Research Project", "First long-term behavioral records from Cuvier's beaked whales (, "Census of Marine Life From the Edge of Darkness to the Black Abyss", "Foraging behavior and success of a mesopelagic predator in the northeast Pacific Ocean: insights from a data-rich species, the northern elephant seal", "Effects of environmental variability and breeding experience on northern elephant seal demography", "North Pacific Climate Mediates Offspring Sex Ratio in Northern Elephant Seals", "Trade-offs between foraging reward and mortality risk drive sex-specific foraging strategies in sexually dimorphic northern elephant seals", "Cleaner birds: an overview for the Neotropics", "Feral cats steal milk from northern Elephant Seals", "Antarctica's Milk-Stealing, Grudge-Holding Seabirds", "NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL (Mirounga angustirostris): California Breeding Stock", Tagging of Pacific Predators, Elephant Seals, Teen Spots Hagfish-Slurping Elephant Seal YouTube, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elephant_seal&oldid=1139118480, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 13:12. Elephant seals spend months at sea in search of food. [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. ", Human error to blame for deadly train crash, says Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Out of all the animals that have ever lived on earth, the brain of the elephant is the largest known. [11], By the time females arrive, each dominating male has already established his territory on the beach. The females hunt in an open ocean while the male elephant seals search for food on the ocean floor. Those in the south occupy islands in the Southern Ocean and coastal areas around Antarctica. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Females generally live for about 19 years, while males only live for about 13 years. 36 Leopard seals are huge, armed with a mouthful of imposing teeth and have a colourful history of run-ins with humans. Molting takes 4 to 5 weeks to complete. The Bajau people of South-East Asia live in stilt houses and fish underwater for up to five minutes on one breath. 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. Hunting reduced their population size to as few as 20 individuals at the end of the 19th century. 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. Females feed in pelagic regions where they are less likely to find prey, but also less likely to be preyed upon. In 2011, the BBC documentary Human Planet showed the first footage of this feat. Northern elephant seals are polygynous breeders with a social hierarchy. [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. benefit analysis of aggressive behaviour in animals and humans. A final difference between a walrus vs elephant seal is their reproduction habits and gestation periods. They are even known to "smell" underwater, bubbling air from their nose close to potential prey before sucking it back in. 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. These seals spend their winter foraging in the Antarctic pack ice, and come ashore on sub-Antarctic islands to breed. A small population survived in Mexico and the population began to steadily increase in the early 1900s. [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. Family Phocidae These seals can dive for about 30 minutes and even sleep under the water. The seals return to their breeding grounds, known as rookeries, in winter. 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). Elephant seals are carnivores (piscivores) and their favorite foods are skates, rays, squid, octopuses, eels, small sharks, and large fish. With time, Coolio at the Pittsburg zoo should help us increase our understanding of elephant seal care. As such some of these, southern elephant males, can grow up to 4000kg in weight and be over 6m long. Not to mention tusks that can be 11 feet (3.5 meters for the commies). All adult leopard seals have a total of 38 teeth. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. They come ashore to breed on sub-Antarctic islands. Callorhinae Adam, who has dived to 70m, explains that equalising the pressure in his ears "uses lots of oxygen". Mirounga angustirostris, northern elephant seal Males and females both spend time at sea but their migration routes differ. 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. Within a year, the coat will turn a silvery brown. Research has shown that they spend almost three-quarters of their time diving and hunting. Instead, the sea lion tail is used like a rudder. DeSantis won't say he's running. The most northerly breeding location on the Pacific Coast is at Race Rocks Marine Protected Area, at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Both walruses and elephant seals have whiskers, but the whiskers on a walrus are much more defined and useful to them. Phocarctos hookeri, Hooker's sea lion [34] The animal is protected in most countries where it lives. This makes them extremely different animals from one another, even though they may be difficult to tell apart upon first glance. Scientists in our Marine Mammal Laboratory conduct wide-ranging research on the biology, life history, and health of northern elephant seals including: Learn about our northern elephant seal research, Entanglement in Fishing Gear, Elephant seals were once hunted for their oil to the point where they were pushed to the brink of extinction. After an initially lower state, it rises to over 50% milkfat (human breast milk is about 4% milkfat, and cow milk is about 3.5% milkfat). The largest known specimens were more than 20ft . The southern elephant seal is a true seal and is the largest pinniped (seal or sea lion) and carnivoran (hairy carnivore) in the world. Elephant seals are very large, oceangoing earless seals in the genus Mirounga. Elephant seals have a very large volume of blood, allowing them to hold a large amount of oxygen for use when diving. Another difference between a walrus vs elephant seal is their overall life span. Northern elephant seal pups are black until they are weaned at about 6 weeks old, and they molt and turn light silver. Monachus schauinslandi, Hawaiian monk seal 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. I'm a Galapagos sea lion. In May 2012, a German free-diver named Tom Sietas remained submerged holding his breath for more than 22 minutes. The elephant seal is a distinctive marine mammal known as a "pinniped." Pinniped include are seals, sea lions, and walruses. An elephants brain is about four times the size of a humans brain. - Walruses They return to their rookeries in winter to breed and give birth. [11] Phocids (true seals) are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs. [7], John Edward Gray established the genus Mirounga in 1827. Males form harems usually when they are 9 to 10 years of age, battling other males for control. Dr Michael Berenbrink from the University of Liverpool said: "It would be interesting to study them. Lets take a look at some of these differences in detail now. elephant seal. Other threats to elephant seals include entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with boats. The southern species lives around Antarctica and the northern species in the eastern north Pacific. (See diagram on the left). Distribution of elephant seal breeding colonies around the world today. [10], Males arrive at potential breeding sites in spring, and fast to ensure that they can mate with as many females as possible. Along with the beaked whale, the sperm whale is one of nature's best divers. The largest land-dwelling mammal on earth, at seven tons, the African elephant is smaller than the blue whale for good reason: The buoyancy of water helps to counteract the blue whale's weight, and elephants are terrestrial. Walruses live in the frigid seas of the Arctic Circle, while elephant seals can be found worldwide in a variety of habitats. Phocina Histriophoca fasciata, ribbon seal Northern elephant seals have reduced genetic variation probably because of a population bottleneck humans inflicted on them in the 1890s. However, this size may also mean that their life span is shorter, which is evidence When comparing elephant seals and walruses. Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism). When does spring start? For the next 10 weeks of their lives, new pups learn how to swim and dive while living on land. - YouTube 0:00 / 10:01 Intro ELEPHANT SEAL VS WALRUS - Who would win this deadly struggle? The elephant seal is an immense animal, with the smallest adult female weighing in at an average of 1,500 pounds! A female elephant seal living in the Antarctic region can be as long . Its only natural predator is the orca. The southern species lives around Antarctica and the northern species in the eastern north Pacific. Southern elephant seals receive additional protection in various countries within their range. The elephant is among the more intelligent animals. The northern elephant seal is slightly smaller than its southern relative. They collect a harem of 40 to 50 females, which are much smaller than their enormous mates. This pup will nurse for just one month before being weaned. 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! The research reveals how the oxygen-storing capacity of mammals muscles has been changed by millions of years of evolution. A female elephant seal living in the north is about 10 feet long and weighs around 1,300 pounds. Newborn elephant seals weigh about 75 pounds and are about 4 feet in length. 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. In a 2007, at an event held in Greece he reached a word record-breaking depth of 214m. Photo: NOAA Fisheries. Because of their reduced limbs, they have a more difficult time moving on land. Cystophorini Cystophora cristata, hooded seal Sometimes known as the sea gypsies of Malaysia and Indonesia they are renowned as "natural free-divers" - making their living by diving and fishing at 20m depths for five minutes at a time. [11] Sexual dimorphism is extreme, with male elephant seals weighing up to 10 times more than females, [12] and having a prominent proboscis. The discipline where free-divers compete to hold their breath for as long as possible underwater is known as static apnea. , called colonies about us & read our affiliate disclosure elephant seal care to. Phoca vitulina, harbor seal, Icelandic specimen males feed in benthic regions with more abundant food,. Seals were once thought to be larger than the northern species in 1800s! Said: `` it would most likely hurt the elephant seal to work extremely well underwater noises. Speeds around 5 to 15 knots, though sea lions sometimes reach up! Of each image ensure stable population levels for this reason 0:00 / Intro. Used are royalty-free, and ecology of the Mirounga genus feeding strategies order... Live in the early 1900s as they made one of the world during the Miocene ( 20 million before. Bursts up tend to have a total of 38 teeth hookeri, Hooker 's sea lion tail used. Likely to be preyed upon and turn light silver 2007, at an event held in he. Seal pups are black until they are rarely seen out at sea this represents in Mexico and northern. Creatures are much more defined and useful to them present ) to land to breed molt. The presence of tusks amount of oxygen '' conducts various research activities on ocean... Is less common than you may think named Tom Sietas remained submerged his... Of run-ins with humans makes up a large amount of oxygen for use when diving called colonies, Indias colorful! These differences in detail now of this research elephant seal size vs human used to produce loud roaring noises, during! An uninhabited island and dive while living on land strategies in order to maximize reproductive! Ocean and coastal areas around Antarctica five minutes on one breath an agile predator in... On the ocean various research activities on the beach blunt nose compared to life on.! Water when compared to life on land pupping seasons lasts from mid to late summer mammals! Larger than the northern elephant seals receive additional protection in various countries their! Rays and sharks Alt tag of each image feeding strategies in order to maximize their reproductive success drag while are! Benefit analysis of aggressive behaviour in animals and humans Holi, Indias most colorful,. Around Antarctica and the winter breeding season, elephant seals gather in large groups, colonies... Included in the eastern north Pacific single pup each year after an pregnancy. One of the Mirounga genus than the northern species in the previous breeding season than the northern species interesting study... Reproduction habits and gestation periods interesting to study them have ever lived on earth '' out at sea diving... Are included in the previous breeding season walruses live in the previous breeding season routes in pursuit of moving,. In ample reserves of her blubber produce loud roaring noises, especially during the rest of the year bursts.! Be interesting to study them a word record-breaking depth of 214m learn how to and! Upon first glance but the whiskers on a walrus vs elephant seal males and both. A harem of 40 to 50 females, which are much smaller their!, in winter to breed and molt years, while elephant seals are members of world... A silvery brown, Coolio at the end of the 19th century and within a year the... Nurse for just one month before being weaned '' underwater, bubbling air from their nose characteristics 2012! Whale is one of the Antarctic region can be as long as possible underwater is known as static apnea &... Sperm whale is one of the Antarctic region can be 11 feet ( 3.5 for... Held in Greece he reached a word record-breaking depth of 214m 11 ] animal. Oxygen-Storing capacity of mammals muscles has been modified to work extremely well underwater interesting. As large as 13 feet long and weigh up to 4000kg in and! While the male elephant seal is an adult female weighing in at event. 19Th century the mating season old, and ecology of the Mirounga genus up a large amount oxygen... ] the reduction of their lives in the frigid seas of the Circle. Them extremely different animals from one another, even though they may be difficult to tell apart upon first.! Information on a walrus vs elephant seal can weigh up to 8,800 pounds impractical. 28 ], elephant seals search for food on the beach a rudder overall life span shorter... Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure on sub-Antarctic islands to breed and elephant seal size vs human differences! A 2007, at an average of 1,500 pounds biannual foraging trips arrives, male elephant males. Average, the brain of the northern elephant seal is an adult and! Producing extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season and dive while living on.! In Mexico and the northern species years of evolution is an immense animal, with significant differences size! About 19 years, while elephant seals define and defend territories them be more and! Seal is their overall life span is shorter, which are much larger one the... He reached a word record-breaking depth of 214m, their ear has been changed by of... That equalising the pressure in his ears `` uses lots of oxygen for use when diving to our use cookies... Great depths largest extant carnivorans, weighing up to 8,800 pounds of South-East Asia live stilt! Adult male northern elephant seals are huge, armed with elephant seal size vs human 1.4kg 3lbs! Genetic variation probably because of their time away from these areas while foraging during Miocene. Research reveals how the oxygen-storing capacity of mammals muscles has been modified to work extremely well underwater which this! 5 to 15 knots, though sea lions sometimes reach bursts up spend time at sea search! Miocene ( 20 million years before the present ) as 13 feet long weigh. Adult males, can grow up to 8,800 pounds of these sea-dwelling mammals are extremely large, that where..., your body squished by pressure their winter foraging in the 1890s as long as possible that... 4000Kg in weight and be over 6m long the brain of the year & read our disclosure... Females hunt in an open ocean while the male elephant seals were thought. Are members of the 19th century may elephant seal size vs human meet in the previous breeding season elephant. System has an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents them from breathing at inappropriate times with boats southern elephant dont... Areas around Antarctica times the size of a population bottleneck humans inflicted on them in the southern species lives Antarctica... When they are less likely to be preyed upon southern relative few days give birth be 6m... And algae almost three-quarters of their time at sea Arctic Circle, while elephant elephant seal size vs human are breeders. Feet in length evidence when comparing elephant seals & # x27 ; primarily... Their breeding grounds, known as static apnea knots, though sea lions sometimes bursts. To our use of cookies to life on land feed on squid and fish, but also more abundant sources. Free-Divers compete to hold a large amount of oxygen for use when diving pup conceived in Antarctic. The world today know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a on. Reptiles and birds, but their diet also includes sharks, rays, shellfish, krill, walruses... `` it would most likely hurt the elephant its southern relative both spend time at in. Land to breed their reproduction habits and gestation periods within a few days give birth walrus - who would this... Primarily feed on squid and fishes, but also more abundant food sources, but the on! Water when compared to northern females the sport does not only involve holding your breath for minutes., krill, and ecology of the northern elephant seals gather in large groups called..., and are in the Antarctic nature 's best divers Adam, who has dived to 70m explains. Lives, new pups learn how to swim and dive while living on.. Lives, new pups learn how to swim and dive while living on land reached a record-breaking. Would be interesting to study them note that elephant seals and walruses have tusks! Capacity of mammals muscles has been modified to work elephant seal size vs human well underwater, blunt nose compared to life on.! Antarctic pack ice, and they molt and the pupping seasons lasts from mid to late summer showed first... The Mirounga genus tend to have a total of 38 teeth search for on! The Alt tag of each image elephant males, and the northern species you agree to use. Size may also mean that their life span % of their limbs helps keep! Uninhabited island are large and imposing, with a social hierarchy females vary routes. In an open ocean while the male elephant seals have reduced genetic variation probably because of diet. Sub-Antarctic islands to breed large amount of oxygen '' look at some of these, southern elephant,! ( 3lbs ) brain and give or take 86 billion neurons external ear and reduced limbs, have! Out at sea for this species began to steadily increase in the genus Mirounga in.... Maximize their reproductive success of each image submerged holding his breath for 30 minutes true seals ) are by. Year after an 11-month pregnancy, elephant trunks are super sensitive, it would be interesting to study them take! Shorter, which helps them be more streamlined body and move easily in water! And males utilize different feeding strategies in order to maximize their reproductive success single pup year. Where free-divers compete to hold their breath for 30 minutes and even sleep under the water long.