Table of Contents
Are female elephant seals bigger than males?
Male elephant seals are much larger than the females and have a trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name.
Why do male elephant seals have big noses?
Elephant seals aren’t named for their size. Rather, the males develop noses that kind of look like elephants’ trunks. They inflate their noses in order to scare other males away — to mate, they have to fight for dominance.
Are there female elephant seals?
About the Northern Elephant Seal Adult males may grow to 14-16 feet (4-5 m) in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg). The females are much smaller at 9-12 feet (2.5-4 m) in length and 900-1,800 pounds (400-800 kg).
Why do female elephant seals live longer than males?
“So clearly the magnitude of the difference in lifespan is due to the interaction of these sex-specific genetics, the fact that males devote more resources towards specific functions compared with females, and to the local environmental conditions.”
How do seals mate?
After the pupping season, males initiate true mating behavior by chasing, neck- and flipper-biting, and embracing. When approached, females respond by growling, head-thrusting, and flipper-waving. Copulation usually takes place in the water. A male harbor seal may mate with several females.
Where do elephant seals mate?
Northern elephant seals are found in the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean. Though they range as far north as Alaska, they typically breed and give birth in the Channel Islands off California or Baja California in Mexico, primarily on offshore islands from December to March.
Why do male elephant seals arrive on land before females during the breeding season?
2. Why do male elephant seals arrive on land before females during the breeding season? Males come ashore before females to fight for dominance. Their fights decide which males will have the largest harems of females.