How does a seal capture and eat it’s prey in the water?
Several people and institutions came together to investigate this question and explore the evolution of prey processing behaviors in phocine (seals) and otariid (sea lions). This collaborative work included researchers from Monash University in Australia, University of St. Andrews in the UK, Museum of Victoria, Australia, Australian museum of research institute and the ASLC.
The ASLC collected and contributed numerous video clips and photos of multiple prey processing events from our captive harbor seals, (Kordelia and Snapper):
Video from: https://vimeo.com/260181944
One key component of this study was to compare x-rays from phocine and otariids to a reconstructed skeleton of an ancient seal. This allowed researchers to elucidate the fore-flipper’s role in processing dead prey items in species whose foraging strategy has evolved between terrestrial and aquatic environments. The ASLC provided radiograph images, numerous photos and videos of prey processing behavior in our resident harbor seals..
You can learn more about how this study helps us understand how seals adapted to life in the water by checking out these amazing articles in:
or read the scientific paper–hot off the press and open access:
Written by: Renae Sattler
Featured Image Credit: Renae Sattler, ASLC
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