QUESTION:
Why do leopard seals skin penguins rather than eat them 
whole as orcas do? 

        Vicki Heisler
        Fourth grade teacher
        Meeker Elementary
        Greeley, CO, USA

ANSWER from Polly Penhale, Program Manager
            Office of Polar Programs,National Science Foundation
            Tue, 25 Feb 97 09:22:06 EST

Dear Fourth Graders and Ms. Heisler,

There are probably a number of reasons why leopard seals "skin" 
penguins, rather than eat them whole like killer whales. Reasons might 
include things like the size of the mouth of the seal and the size of 
the penguin as well as the nutritional value of the whole bird. By 
"skinning" the penguin, the mostly non-digestible feathers, beak and 
feet are eliminated. The "skinned" bird can more easily be swallowed 
by the seal.

Thanks for your question!
Polly P.