QUESTION:
What is the difference between the leopard seals, the weddell seals, and the 
elephant seals and what special features do they have to survive in such a 
cold enviornment?


        Mrs. Young's Class
        Lake Forest Elementary School
        Lake Forest, CA

 

ANSWER from Polly Penhale, Program Manager, Office of Polar Programs
            Tue, 25 Feb 97 11:18:33 EST


Dear Students,

Leopard seals, crabeater and Weddell and Ross seals are ice-seals, 
which means that they breed on sea-ice or fast-ice (ice attached to the 
land). Elephant seals breed on the exposed coastline of Antarctica or
subantarctic islands. The seals have a thick blubber layer, which helps
protect them from the cold. Seals, such as the Weddell seal, have sharp
teeth, which they use to make holes through the ice so that they can
go back and forth into the water for food.

Thanks for your question!
Polly P.