Harbor seal

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/harbor-seal

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How many people live in Harbor seal?Estimated global population of 350,000 to 500,000 individuals
2. What is the scientific name?Phoca vitulina
3. What is the lifespan?Females: 30-35 years; Males: 20-25 years
4. Where do harbor seals like to rest?Harbor seals rest on special spots called haul‑out sites. These are usually rocky areas, but they can also use ice floes, sandy beaches, or mudflats that are close to good fishing spots.
5. How do harbor seals stay warm in cold water?They have a thick layer of blubber, a special fat that keeps them warm and gives them energy. The blubber also helps them stay cozy during long dives in chilly seas.

Pinniped: A diverse group of marine mammals characterized by flippers, including seals, sea lions, and walruses.
Indicator Species: An organism whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the condition of an ecosystem.
Gestation: The period of embryonic and fetal development within a viviparous animal, from conception to birth.
Mesopredator: A mid-level predator in a food web, typically feeding on herbivores and being preyed upon by apex predators.