HOODED SEAL Meaning and
Definition
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Hooded seal refers to a species of relatively large seals scientifically classified as Cystophora cristata, renowned for the unique feature of having a distinctive inflatable, elongated nasal structure, or "hood," on the forehead of adult males. This distinguishing hood, with its prominent flaps of loose skin that can be inflated to impressive proportions, is used by males during the breeding season to engage in fierce inter-male competition and establish dominance over females.
Adult hooded seals display sexual dimorphism in size and appearance. Males can reach lengths of up to 2.5 meters and weigh around 300 kg, while females tend to be smaller, weighing approximately 200 kg. Both sexes share a bluish-gray fur coat with black spots or stripes on their backs, enabling effective camouflage in their icy habitats. Their life cycle predominantly revolves around the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
Hooded seals are highly adapted to their marine environment and possess strong swimming capabilities due to their streamlined bodies and paddle-like flippers. Their diet primarily consists of a variety of fish species and invertebrates found in cold oceanic waters. These seals are also known for their exceptional diving abilities, capable of submerging to depths exceeding 1,000 meters and remaining underwater for extended periods.
The conservation status of hooded seals is classified as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), despite experiencing some localized threats such as increasing sea ice loss and potential disturbances caused by human activities in their natural habitat.
Common Misspellings for HOODED SEAL
- gooded seal
- booded seal
- nooded seal
- jooded seal
- uooded seal
- yooded seal
- hioded seal
- hkoded seal
- hloded seal
- hpoded seal
- h0oded seal
- h9oded seal
- hoided seal
- hokded seal
- holded seal
- hopded seal
- ho0ded seal
- ho9ded seal
- hoosed seal
Etymology of HOODED SEAL
The word "hooded seal" is derived from the Old English word "hōd", which means a hood or covering, and "seal", referring to the marine mammal. The term "hooded" describes the distinct feature of this seal, which has an inflatable bladder-like sac on its forehead that can be expanded to form a large, rounded hood. This hood is used by males during courtship displays and territorial disputes. Therefore, the name "hooded seal" is directly related to the prominent feature that sets this species apart from other seals.
Similar spelling words for HOODED SEAL
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