Leopard seals are one of the top predators in Antarctica, yet little has been known about them until recently. The animals have been difficult to research because of their remote location—the most southern point on Earth—and their solitary nature. Now, though, a team of scientists led by Sarah Kienle of Baylor University has put together the first study comprehensively describing leopard seals’ behaviors and physical characteristics. The results show that leopard seals could be well suited to adjust to changes in their environment.
Kienle and her team spent two years studying 22 leopard seals off the Western Antarctic Peninsula. They weighed and measured the seals and used trackers to monitor their movements.
The researchers found that female leopard seals are 1.5 times the size of male seals. It is unusual…
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The Week Junior US (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 131