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Pinnipeds also known as Carnivora Eared Seals, Walruses, and True Seals
In this class there are 3 family-related types of pinnipeds:
- Phocidae (true seals)
- Otariidae (eared seals)
- Odobenidae (the Walrus)
The word pinniped comes from the Latin word pinnipes which means fin or wing-footed. Following this name we see that their limbs have evolved into fin-like structures. Their fins, pelvis, and spine are well adapted to allow free movement on land and in the water. All of the Pinnipeds have large body structures, though they have tails on the small side. Some of the pinnipeds have ears, or rather, flaps of skin covering there ear holes. Most of them have large eyes, eye sockets,a short snout, and excellent underwater vision. They maintain homeostasis with a layer of thick fat called blubber which is situated right beneath the skin. Phocidae family members have an especially thick layer of blubber. This also serves as an energy reserve during long periods of fasting. Pinnipeds molt once a year in between summer and autumn.
Pinnipeds give birth to their young once a year. They are also polygamists, meaning the males breed with many different females in one year. They have one 'pup' at a time and twins are very rare. This is partially owed to the fact that the pups are about one-third of their mother's size. There is a very short time in which the mother provides milk for her offspring. It is very hard for them to supply the fat-rich milk that they need.
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