What are Pinnipeds?

What are Pinnipeds?

Pinnipeds are mammals that are fin-footed. They use their limbs as paddles or flippers. They are all carnivorous, or flesh eaters. The ancestors of Pinnipeds lived on land many millions of years ago. They later took to the sea, and adapted themselves to life in the water. However, Pinniped babies are still, born on land, and take to the water only later on.

Pinnipeds are expert swimmers and divers. They have big eyes that are useful for seeing in the dim dark depths of the sea. They have sharp backward pointing teeth, so that they can catch their prey and push it down their throat. Pinnipeds have bodies that are sleek, and have a thick layer of fatty blubber. This blubber keeps them warm in the coldest water. The blubber also helps them to stay afloat, and stores food too.

The three main types of pinnipeds are the walrus, sea lion and seal. There are about30 different kinds of these mammals, and they are found mainly in the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic, though a few do live in warmer waters and fresh water lakes.

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