leopard seal
Antarctic spotted predator
A leopard seal is a large Antarctic seal with spotted gray fur, named for its markings and its predatory nature.
Unlike most seals, leopard seals are aggressive hunters, feeding on penguins, fish, and other seals.
They are second only to killer whales among Antarctic predators.
Foot-worn swim aids
- blubberMarine mammal fat
- marine mammalWarm-blooded ocean dweller
- whiskersFacial sensory hairs
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
haul-out · pup · breeding · lactation · diving · thermoregulation · countercurrent · vibrissae
Made smooth and efficient
- spottedSeen or patterned
- hydrodynamicRelating to fluid motion
- sleekSmooth and elegant
- muscularHaving well-developed sinews
serpentine · elongated · powerful · lithe · agile · flexible · graceful · sinuous
Flightless aquatic southern bird
- icebergFloating glacial fragment
- pack iceConsolidated floating sea ice
- ice floeFloating polar mass
- glacierSlow-moving ice mass
Southern Ocean · krill · subzero · polar · research station · expedition · McMurdo · Antarctica
Uppermost point or culmination
- huntPursuit of quarry
- preyAnimal being hunted
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
jaws · predatory · attack · stalk · fish · cephalopod · chase · kill
Contacts by telephone
- trillsRapid pitch alternations
- growlsLow threatening vocalizations
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
- songsMusical vocal compositions
grunts · hoots · eerie · haunting · chirps · broadcasts · territorial · mating calls
Existing alone, apart
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- curiousEager to learn
- aggressiveHostile and confrontational
- playfulInclined toward fun
intelligent · investigative · bold · inquisitive · patrolling · basking · resting · breaching
flippers
Foot-worn swim aids
- blubberMarine mammal fat
- marine mammalWarm-blooded ocean dweller
- whiskersFacial sensory hairs
molting · haul-out · pup · breeding · lactation · diving · thermoregulation · countercurrent · vibrissae
streamlined
Made smooth and efficient
- spottedSeen or patterned
- hydrodynamicRelating to fluid motion
- sleekSmooth and elegant
muscular · serpentine · elongated · powerful · lithe · agile · flexible · graceful · sinuous · coat
penguin
Flightless aquatic southern bird
glacier · Southern Ocean · krill · subzero · polar · research station · expedition · McMurdo · Antarctica · haul-out
apex
Uppermost point or culmination
teeth · jaws · predatory · attack · stalk · fish · cephalopod · chase · kill · carnivore
calls
Contacts by telephone
- trillsRapid pitch alternations
- growlsLow threatening vocalizations
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
songs · grunts · hoots · eerie · haunting · chirps · broadcasts · territorial · mating calls · acoustic
solitary
Existing alone, apart
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- curiousEager to learn
- aggressiveHostile and confrontational
playful · intelligent · investigative · bold · inquisitive · patrolling · basking · resting · breaching · approach
- Antarctic seals
- true seals
- ocean lifeocean, sea, sea creatures, shark, sea life
- polar regionsAntarctica, polar bears, Arctic Ocean, glaciers, Arctic
- ambush predatorscrocodile, alligator, trapdoor spider, anglerfish, praying mantis
- apex predatorsgreat white shark, tiger, lion, orca, killer whale
leopard sealpenguin
Flightless aquatic southern bird
emperor penguin · krill · fish
leopard sealharbor seal
Temperate coastal pinniped species
harp seal · monk seal · grey seal · sea lion · elephant seal