Marine World

  SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION: Binomial Name Histriophoca fasciata Family Phocidae Genus Histriophoca Species H. Fasciata Weight 90-148 Kgs Life Span 20- 30 Years Gestation Period 10- 11 Months Group Names Pod or Bob IUCN Status Data Deficient Some interesting facts about ribbon seals:           Appearance Ribbon seals have dark bodies with four nearly white bands or ribbons around their necks, front flippers, and hips. Their eyes are very large and appear all black.            Diving Ribbon seals can dive up to 200 meters (656 feet) in search of food.            Movement Ribbon seals run over ice by alternating their front flippers and swinging their hindquarters back and forth.  ...

  SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION: Binomial Name Pagophilus groenlandicus Family Phocidae Genus Pagophilus Species P. Groenlandicus Weight 120-135 Kgs Life Span 30- 35 Years Gestation Period 11.5 Months Group Names Pod or Bob IUCN Status Least Concern Interestingly, harp seal pups go through 6 distinct stages in their young lifetime: 1. “Yellow-jacket” During this time, the young harp seals coats are stained yellow from placental fluids after birth. 2. “White coat” This is during the nursing stage, when seal pups lose their yellow tinge and gain white fur. 3. “Ragged jacket” During this stage, young harp seals molt and lose their white fur to gain their adult silver-gray skin. 4. “Beater” Once the pups are completely silver-grey, they make their way to the water and start beating their fron...