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Adaptations of Marine Worms in Antarctica

What structural adaptations do you see on the Weddell seal?

Weddell layingWhat structural adaptations of the Weddell seal can you see in this photo? Weddell swimmingWhat structural adaptations can you observe on this Weddell seal? (Photo courtesy of Steve Rupp)
Mon, 10/03/2011 - 05:11

Anonymous

Structures/ Functions:Blubber or fat to keep warm
Eyes are dark to see under water
Whiskers are used to feel around in tight spaces
Nose is used to breathe and smell
Shape is used to go faster

Mon, 10/03/2011 - 06:14

Anonymous

Same ideas as A with these new ones:Eye lashes are long to protect eyes from ice
Teeth are sharp for eating fish and bigger animals
Spots on fur for camoflage

Mon, 10/03/2011 - 08:04

Anonymous

New ideas:Eyes in front of head for hunting
Fins are used for swimming AND to get out of ice
Lungs, for breathing on land
Blubber is for warmth, but also as food when fish are in small supply
spots are to mimic shells on bottom or to confuse prey.

Mon, 10/03/2011 - 19:53

Michael League

Mr. Crandell's classes,You did a great job looking at the structural adaptations of the Weddell
seal. I definitely owe you postcards. Here's a quick summary of the
ones our team agrees with:
Blubber - Insulation
Whiskers - Sensory
Body shape - Streamlined, faster swimming
Teeth - Sharp, catching fish
Fur - coloring
Lungs - breathing
All of these are great! There are still some more out there to guess,
so let's hear from some others. Also, Mr. Crandell's classes don't
quite have the right idea with the fur coloring. We're looking for
someone who can explain why they might be lighter underneath and darker
on their backs.
Thoughts?
Mike

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 21:33

Anonymous

my science teacher Mr Hay taught us this i think. its similar to penguins isn't it? cos if your under water and look up you see light which is part of the colouring and if you are on the surface and look down you see darkness.

Wed, 06/20/2012 - 08:19

Michael League

Yes, you are absolutely correct! Penguins also use countershading as a way to camouflage. Great connection! Thanks for following.Mike

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 09:11

Anonymous

the weddel seal is a seal

Tue, 04/30/2013 - 05:46

Anonymous

wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz up

Thu, 09/12/2013 - 11:50

Anonymous

what are weddel seal physical adaptations

Sun, 09/15/2013 - 06:37

Michael League

Thanks for the great question.
Weddell seals have many physical adaptations.  A physical adaptation is a structure or characteristic of their body that makes them good at living in their habitat.  Here are a few to think about:

The Weddell seal has a very thick layer of fat, called blubber, that helps keep their warm in the very cold Antarctic water.
Their body is shaped like a torpedo.  They can move very quickly through the water with little effort.
Their front flippers are short, and very good at helping them change direction.  Their tail is excellent at moving water to propel them quickly.
Their whiskers help them sense things in the water or in the rock on the bottom of the ocean.  
Weddell seals can hold their breath for several minutes and swim around.
Their sharp teeth are good for catching and eating fish and other prey.
They are usually darkly colored on their back and lighter colored on their stomach.  When you look at them from above, they blend in with the dark bottom.  When you look at them from underneath, they blend with the brighter surface above.
That's just a few.  Can you think of any more? Check out [Alex Eiler's expedition](http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/weddell-seals-in-the-ross-sea) for even more information.

Sat, 06/18/2016 - 23:01

C

what are some physiological adaptations of the weddell sealwhat are some good websites that have physiological info on them??
regards
.C.