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The Weddell seal prefers to live on ice that is broken and somewhat cracked, in this way there are often natural cracks and holes through the ice that they can use to get in and out of the sea. There are also holes and cracks around ice bergs that are trapped in sea-ice and often "tide-cracks" appear near when they near land, all of these help create spaces for the seals to shelter.
These holes are fine to begin with, but when temperatures are well below freezing, they begin to freeze up - quickly. The seals keep the holes open by rasping them with their teeth. They open their mouths wide and move their heads back and forward in a wide arc attacking the ice that is building up around the sides of the hole. This is a very fast and vigorous process that takes a lot of energy and a toll on the seals teeth.
Keeping breathing holes open like this wears away the teeth of Weddell seals and it is this that means that the Weddell seals only live to about 18 years, about half the life-span of a crabeater seal for instance.
Weddells can swim great distances across apparently continuous sea-ice by detecting the natural cracks and holes along the way. When covering distance rather than fishing, they only dive to a shallow depth and find the next breathing hole in the gloom under the ice by sonar - they emit a series of high pitched sounds and pick up the difference in sound when the sounds reach a hole.
What else can I help you with?
How do southern elephant seals survive the freezing cold conditions in Antarctica?
They have lots of blubber to protect them self from the freezing conditions
How do a weddell seal survive in Antarctica?
The Weddell seal survives in Antarctic waters, since the liquid marine environment is its natural habitat.
Can ice plants survive winter conditions?
Yes, ice plants can survive winter conditions as they are cold-hardy and can tolerate freezing temperatures.
How long can you survive in Antarctica without supplies?
Probably one day of horrible horrible pain, and then you'd finish freezing to death.
Can a boa consrtikter live in Antarctica?
No, unless it's in captivity. Snakes are reptiles that are cold blooded, it'd be impossible for them to survive very long without freezing to death in Antarctica's chill.
If you could bring a pet to Antarctica what animal can survive the freezing weather?
No pets are allowed in Antarctica, because there is no way to feed them or care for them. In fact, no animal lives in Antarctica because it's too cold and there is no food chain there for land animals.
Does chlamydia survive freezing?
Chlamydia trachomatis will not survive freezing.
Do fly egg survive after being frozen?
Fly eggs generally do not survive freezing temperatures, as the ice crystals that form can damage their cellular structure. However, some species of flies have adapted to extreme conditions and may have a higher tolerance to cold, allowing their eggs to survive in certain circumstances. Overall, in typical freezing conditions, fly eggs are unlikely to survive.
How do fishes living in Antarctica survive?
Fish swimming in waters around Antarctica -- which is liquid -- enjoy water temperatures that are above freezing. Cold water on earth is home to many fish which thrive in cooler water.
Can you survive in Antarctica?
Yes, with the appropriate planning, gear and money, you can survive in Antarctica.
Can yeast survive freezing temperatures?
Yes, yeast can survive freezing temperatures.
What is the impact of freezing temperatures on plants and how do they adapt to survive in such conditions?
Freezing temperatures can harm plants by causing ice crystals to form in their cells, leading to cell damage and dehydration. To survive, plants have developed adaptations such as producing antifreeze proteins, increasing sugar content in their cells, and shedding leaves to reduce water loss. These adaptations help protect plants from freezing temperatures and allow them to survive in cold conditions.
