Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses

4–8 Teacher’s Guide

A SEAWORLD EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION

CONTENTS

Goals and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
What Are Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Where Do Pinnipeds Live? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Why Do Scientists Study Pinnipeds? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pinniped Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Design a Sea Lion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Seals In-depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hypothesize This! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Just Squidding Around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sharing the Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Polar Passport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Milk Makeup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Fur Seal Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Pre/Post Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside back cover

To the Teacher
The Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses Teacher’s Guide for grades 4–8 was developed
at SeaWorld to help you teach your students—in an active, hands-on way—about
pinnipeds and the ecology of the ocean. Our goal is to integrate science, mathematics,
art, geography, and language. SeaWorld curriculum supports the National Science
Education Standards.
The brief background information in this Guide was written for you, the teacher. It will
help you do these activities with your students. We suggest you also refer to some of the
resources listed on page 24 for more in-depth information. SeaWorld strives to provide
teachers with up-to-date information and activities that motivate students to appreciate
and conserve wildlife, the oceans, and the natural world.
Do you have comments or suggestions regarding the activities in this Teacher’s Guide?
We’d love to hear your opinion. Write the SeaWorld San Diego Education Department,
email us at SWC.Education@SeaWorld.com or call 1-800-380-3202.
SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Goals of the Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses Unit

Students will explore the natural history of seals, sea lions, and walruses and
recognize that humans are an interconnected part of these animals’ ecosystems.

Objectives
After completing the SeaWorld Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses unit, the student
will be able to…
1. Identify six members of the order Pinnipedia.
2. Explain how sea lionls are adapted for an ocean environment.
3. Compare how warm-blooded pinnipeds lose heat to air and water environments.
4. Locate the distribution of two pinniped species.
5. Identify important food sources for pinnipeds and explain one foraging strategy.
6. Express a concern for how human activities may impact pinnipeds’ survival.
7. Use problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand pinniped
management situations.
8. Share their learning experiences with family and friends.

Vocabulary
blubber — a layer of fat between the skin marine mammal — a mammal adapted
and muscle of most marine mammals. to live in the marine environment and
colony — a group of organisms of the dependent on the ocean for food.
same kind living together. molt — n. The shed exoskeleton, hair,
ecosystem — a unit of plants, animals, feathers, or skin of an animal. v. To shed
and nonliving components of an the exoskeleton or the outer layer of
environment that interact. hair, feathers, or skin.

endangered — in danger of becoming Pinnipedia — the scientific order that

extinct. includes seals, sea lions, and walruses.

flippers — broad, flat limbs supported predator — an animal that eats other
by bones and adapted for swimming. animals.

food chain — a diagram showing the prey — n. an animal eaten by another

transfer of energy via “who eats whom” animal. v. to hunt and eat other animals.
in an ecosystem. pup — the young of certain animals
habitat — the normal, usual, or natural such as seals, sea lions, and otters.
place where a plant or animal lives. threatened — likely to be in danger of
haul out — to leave the water to get becoming extinct.
on land. vibrissae — stiff, tactile whiskers on the
herd — a group of certain large animals face of certain mammals.
that associate together.

2 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses 4–8

What Are Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses?

These animals are pinnipeds. temperature independent of the

Scientists group seals, sea lions, fur surroundings), give live birth, nurse their
seals, and walruses together in the young, breathe air, and have hair.
scientific order called Pinnipedia. All
Pinnipeds live on land and in the sea.
pinnipeds have four flippers—one
pair in front (foreflippers) and one Because these animals live in the marine
pair in back (hind flippers), a thick environment and they find their food at
layer of blubber, and sensitive whiskers sea, pinnipeds are marine mammals. Other
called vibrissae. marine mammals include whales and sea
otters. Although pinnipeds spend most
Pinnipeds are divided into three
of their lives in the water, they come
families—the walruses, the true seals,
ashore to rest, give birth, and molt.
and the eared seals. The eared seals,
Once each year, usually in the spring,
which include both sea lions and fur
they gather on beaches or sea ice to
seals, have visible, external ear flaps.
give birth and breed. After the pupping
Pinnipeds are mammals. season, adults often come ashore again
to molt: they shed the outer skin layers
Pinnipeds share five characteristics with with old fur and hair. They also haul out
other mammals. They are warm blooded on shore to rest and bask in the sun
(maintain a high and constant body throughout the year.

What’s the difference between a seal and sea lion/fur seal?

hind flippers ear flap

SEA LION/
SEAL FUR SEAL

claws
front flippers
Seals and sea lions/fur seals differ in a number of ways, but here are four that are easy
to spot. Sea lions/fur seals show external ear flaps; seals show only ear holes. Sea lions/
fur seals have long, hairless, front flippers with short nails; seals have short, fur-covered
front flippers with long claws. Sea lions/fur seals can rotate their hind flippers forward
to walk on land; seals hold their hind flippers straight and move on land with a
forward rolling motion of their bellies. Sea lion/fur seal whiskers are smooth; most
seal whiskers are beaded or crimped.

©2001 Sea World, Inc. 3

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Where Do Pinnipeds Live?

You’ll find pinnipeds around the world. sandbars, beaches, or rocks are
Seals, sea lions, and walruses live along uncovered at low tide. They prefer flat
the shorelines of the world’s continents, spots because unlike a sea lion, a seal
from Antarctica to Greenland. Each can’t rotate its hind flippers forward.
species is adapted to live in its On land, a seal moves by undulating its
particular habitat. The smallest fur seal, body in a caterpillarlike motion. In
the Galápagos fur seal, lives in hot the water, it often rests floating vertically.
weather close to the equator. Some large
Pups and calves grow fast.
pinnipeds, like the southern elephant
seal, swim in the chilly waters of the A baby seal or sea lion is called a pup. A
south pole region. baby walrus is called a calf. Pups and
calves are born on land or sometimes in
Pacific walruses play it cool. the water. They grow rapidly on their
Walruses swim in cold Arctic waters mother’s fat-rich milk. Soon they enter
and prefer to haul out on snow-covered the sea to develop their survival skills.
moving pack ice or ice floes rather than They learn to swim, dive, catch prey,
mainland beaches. Herds of walruses and haul out.
also come ashore on small rocky islands The first year of life at sea is often the
when ice isn’t present. Because walruses most difficult. Finding enough food,
eat mostly animals that live on the surviving storms at sea, escaping
ocean bottom, they’re generally found predators, and withstanding disease,
where the water is less than 100 m are all challenges these young
(325 ft.) deep. They prefer a habitat with animals face.
a gravelly bottom.

California sea lions hit the beaches.

California sea lions inhabit the rocky
and sandy beaches of coastal islands
and mainland shores of the eastern
North Pacific Ocean. During the spring
breeding season, they gather on land in
large groups called colonies. In autumn
and winter, adults range off the west
coast of North America from the
islands off Baja California, Mexico to
the northern tip of Vancouver Island
in Canada.

Harbor seals lie low.

Harbor seals inhabit shallow areas of Most pinnipeds, like this California sea lion,
estuaries, rivers, and places where have good eyesight under water.

4 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses 4–8

Why Do Scientists Study Pinnipeds?

There’s a lot to learn from pinnipeds. Elephant seals dive deeply.

Scientists study pinnipeds to learn Scientists have used TDRs to document
about their natural history, reproduction, the year-round diving patterns and
and behavior. The information helps foraging migrations of northern
when scientists try to save species that elephant seals in the Southern California
are endangered. Channel Islands. Elephant seals gather
Most studies observe pinnipeds when on the Channel Islands in the winter to
they’re on land while pupping, breeding, breed and again in the spring and
or molting. What are they doing the rest summer to molt. Scientists weren’t sure
of the year? And where are they doing what the seals did during the eight to
it? Little is known about pinniped nine months the seals are at sea.
behavior at sea including diving, Dr. Brent Stewart is a H-SWRI scientist
migrating, habitat use, feeding who uses TDRs to study the diving
strategies, and social interactions. patterns and movements of elephant
seals during the months they spend at
New technology helps scientists study sea. He documented diving depths,
seals at sea. dive durations, and the amount of time
Scientists at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research the seals spend resting at the surface
Institute (H-SWRI) are using compact between dives. His study revealed
satellite transmitters to track seal some fascinating information.
movements. With this new technology, For example, twice each year, male
scientists can virtually dive and swim northern elephant seals (Mirounga
with seals, learning more about angustirostris) migrate from the Channel
pinniped behavior. Islands 4,025 km (2,500 miles) north to
Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, where they
Time-depth recorders reveal spend 40 to 50 days feeding before
hidden secrets. returning to Southern California
H-SWRI scientists use a small computer (another 4,025 km). Each leg of the
called a time-depth recorder (TDR). migration takes about 40 days.
The TDR is temporarily glued to the The diving depths of northern
hair on the back of a seal or sea lion. It elephant seals was also surprising.
falls off when the animal comes ashore Some seals dove deeper than 1,800 m
later in the year to molt. The TDR (6,000 ft.) and several dives lasted 80
records time and depth measurements minutes or more. Elephant seals are
and stores the data until it is transmit- some of the deepest divers of any
ted to a satellite. The satellite calculates marine mammals.
the seal’s position and then sends all
the data to the H-SWRI laboratory for This study’s results helped in planning
analysis. future studies of elephant seal move-
ments at sea using satellite systems.

©2001 Sea World, Inc. 5

 SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Pacific walrus
Pinniped Picks Odobenus rosmarus divergens

Use these cards to help your students get started size: M 2.7 to 3.6 m (9–11.8 ft.)
exploring pinnipeds. Here are some ideas for ways 800 to 1,900 kg (1,760–4,189 lb.)
to use these cards in your classroom: F 2.3 to 3 m (7.5–10 ft.)
400 to 1,200 kg (880–2,646 lb.)
• Use the facts on the cards to help you prepare
lesson plans and lead discussions in class. distribution: northeastern Pacific and Arctic oceans

• Copy and cut apart the cards. Distribute a prey: clams, mussels, fishes, snails, crabs,
different card to each cooperative learning group. shrimps, and squids. Some eat seals and
Visit the school library to learn more about the small whale carcasses
animals. Groups may even adopt that animal as predators: killer whales, polar bears
their “mascot” while working on this unit.
population: 240,000 (1980s)
• Copy and cut apart the cards. Distribute a com-
status: not endangered but regulated in
plete set to each student or group of students.
international trade to restrict
Students compare similarities and differences
harvest
among various pinnipeds.
• Copy and cut apart the cards. Use the cards to
sort endangered or threatened species from
those that are not. Visit the library to find more
species to add to your “endangered list.” Do
some of these animals live in your area?
©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

California sea lion harbor seal

Zalophus californianus californianus Phoca vitulina

size: M to 2.4 m (7.9 ft.) size: M about 1.9 m (6.2 ft.)

to 390 kg (860 lb.) 70 to 159 kg (150–351 lb.)
F to 2 m (6 ft.) F about 1.7 m (5.6 ft.)
to 110 kg (240 lb.) 60 to 110 kg (132–242 lb.)
distribution: British Columbia to northern Mexico distribution: Pacific (Arctic to Baja California, Mexico),
prey: fishes, squids, octopuses Atlantic (Greenland to Florida), and
European waters
predators: killer whales, sharks
prey: fishes, shrimps, squids, octopuses
population: 185,000 (1993)
predators: killer whales, sharks, and Steller sea lions.
status: not endangered or threatened Coyotes and eagles eat juveniles on beach.
population: 500,000 (1981)
status: not endangered or threatened

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

6
 Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses 4–8

northern elephant seal Hawaiian monk seal

Mirounga angustirostris Monachus schauinslandi

size: M 4 m (13 ft.); 2,000 kg (4,410 lb.) size: to 2.4 m (8 ft.); 270 kg (600 lb.)
F to 3 m (10 ft.); 600 kg (1,323 lb.) females slightly larger than males
distribution: California to Baja California, Mexico distribution: northwestern Hawaiian Islands
(leeward chain)
prey: squids, octopuses, deep-water fishes,
small sharks, and skates prey: eels and other fishes,
octopuses, lobsters
predators: killer whales, sharks
predators: sharks
population: 150,000 (late 1990s)
population: about 1,500 (early 1990s)
status: not endangered or threatened
status: classified as endangered under the
Endangered Species Act

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Steller sea lion Guadalupe fur seal

Eumetopias jubatus Arctocephalus townsendi

size: M 3.3 m (10.8 ft.); 1,000 kg (2,200 lb.) size: M 1.8 to 1.9 m (5.9–6.2 ft.);
F 2.5 m (8.2 ft.); 270 kg (600 lb.) 160 to 170 kg (353–375 lb.)
distribution: central California north to the Arctic F 1.2 to 1.4 m (3.9–4.6 ft.);
and across to Japan 45 to 55 kg (99–121 lb.)

prey: fishes, squids, octopuses. Some eat seals. distribution: central California south to
Guadalupe Island, Mexico
predators: killer whales, sharks
prey: fishes, squids
population: 95,000 to 122,000
predators: killer whales, sharks
status: Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea
populations endangered under the population: 6,000 (1987)
Endangered Species Act. status: classified as threatened under the
Eastern stock is threatened. Endangered Species Act

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

7
SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Design a Sea Lion

OBJECTIVES MATERIALS
Given a list of the steps for drawing a per student:
sea lion, the student will be able to ❑ drawing paper
complete a sketch. The student will be
able to list four characteristics of a sea ❑ pens or pencils
lion and compare and contrast marine ❑ copy of Design a Sea Lion
animal adaptations. funsheet on page 9

ACTION

1. As a class or in cooperative learning 3. Distribute Design a Sea Lion

groups, brainstorm challenges funsheets to students along with
students would face if they were put paper and pens or pencils. Direct
in the middle of the ocean. (Think of students to read the directions
all the elements important to scuba and try to duplicate a sea lion on
divers.) How would a person stay their paper.
warm in cold water, see in the dark 4. Ask students or groups to describe
ocean, and find food? sea lion adaptations for an ocean
2. With these challenges in mind, environment. Draw an environment
discuss the adaptations sea lions around the sea lion.
have to survive in the ocean…
• pointed teeth to capture prey
• vibrissae (whiskers) to explore
surroundings and detect prey
• a mucous tear to protect eyes DEEPER DEPTHS
from sea water and sunlight Expand this activity by creating a
• blubber for insulation, streamlin- drawing sheet for a harbor seal and a
ing, and a reserve energy source Pacific walrus. Do these animals face
• fur as a body covering the same challenges as a sea lion?
• pectoral flippers for swimming Compare and contrast the adapta-
and walking on land tions and body shapes of a sea lion
• hind flippers for steering in the and other marine mammals.
water and walking on land

8 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses 4–8

Design a Sea Lion

First draw the torpedolike shape

of the sea lion. Blubber helps
streamline the sea lion. A stream-
lined shape produces less
resistance and helps a sea lion
conserve energy as it swims.

Add the front or pectoral flippers.

These are broad, furless, and very
strong. The sea lion uses these
flippers to swim in the water and
to walk on land.

The hind flippers come next. Like

the front flippers, each has five
toes or digits similar to those in
our hands and feet. Hind flippers
help a sea lion walk on land. And
don’t forget the tail!

Finally, add eyes, which are large;

whiskers, which are sensitive; and
a nose. Sea lions are able to open
and close their nostrils. Remember
ear flaps, for all sea lions have
ear flaps.

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 9

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Seals In-depth

OBJECTIVE MATERIALS
Given data, students will use math per student:
skills to organize, analyze, and interpret ❑ graph paper
the results from a research project
tracking elephant seals. ❑ pencil
❑ pens or markers
❑ copy of Seals In-Depth funsheet
on page 11

BACKGROUND
Recent research on the diving patterns of male elephant seals has revealed amazing
data. In 1989, a small microprocessor-based time-depth recorder attached to a male
elephant seal recorded a dive of 1,800 m (6,000 ft.). Male elephant seal dives can last as
long as 80 minutes.

ACTION

1. Divide students into cooperative represent the data? Are there other
learning groups. Distribute materials ways to show the information?
and Seals In-Depth funsheet. 4. When review is completed, ask the
2. Ask each group to select one data set class, “Why do scientists want to
(dive depth, dive duration, or sur- know this information?” Scientists
face time). They complete the blanks seek to understand natural history,
on the funsheet; then design graphs behavior such as diving and migrating,
or charts to represent the informa- feeding strategies, habitat use, and to
tion. Groups should determine how determine if competition exists between
to use the data in their graphs or humans and the animals for natural
charts (percentages, averages, fre- resources. Research like this helps people
quency, or other). Groups then create make decisions on fishery management,
two to three questions and two to land use, water recreation use, and other
three statements about the data and policies.
their work. (For example: does the
data clump?)
3. After the groups have completed ANSWERS
their data organization and analysis, 1. diving depth: about 389 meters
have them present their work to
other “scientists” in the class. Class 2. dive duration: about 23 minutes
scientists compare and contrast their 3. surface time: about 3:08 minutes
work. Which graphs or charts

10 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Name
Seals In-Depth
Note: Treat each data box separately; numbers do not correlate. Numbers represent only a portion of data collected.

DIVE DEPTH (m)

DIVE DURATION (min)
75 SURFACE TIME (min:sec)
410 77
8 1:56
118 2:25
379 12
19 3:30
210 3:45
105 24
49 7:21
362 0:30
978 9
28 5:47
402 2:19
357 18
23 2:31
382 3:22
713 10
22 2:56
541 0:41
349 6
20 3:31
451 5:02
14
1:18

ESTIMATE AVERAGES CALCULATE AVERAGES

1. diving depth: ______ meters 1. diving depth: ______meters

2. dive duration: ______ minutes 2. dive duration: ______minutes

3. surface time: _______ minutes: seconds 3. surface time: ______minutes: seconds

What scientists learned from the diving patterns of six male elephant seals.
• Seals were at sea for an average of 130 days. They made a total of 36,233 dives.
Seal one: 7,137 dives. Seal two: 4,292. Seal three: 5,961. Seal four: 3,812. Seal five:
7,714. Seal six: 7,317.
• Seals were submerged 21 hours out of the day. They spent 15 hours either
ascending or descending and 6 hours at the bottom.
• Bottom time (time spent at the bottom of a dive) accounted for about 29% of the
durations of each seal’s dive. Only 140 dives exceeded 1,000 m and of these, 73%
had bottom times of 1 minute or longer. Of the 40 dives that lasted 40 minutes or
more, bottom time accounted for about 25%.
• The seals shared a diving depth mode of 350 to 450 m. An average of 41% of
dives were to this depth. About 30% of dives were shallower. About 6% of dives
were greater than 700 m.

This information is only a portion of the data obtained.

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Hypothesize This!

OBJECTIVE MATERIALS
Students will be able to predict, measure, per class:
collect, and analyze data to investigate ❑ smooth peanut butter
heat loss in water.
❑ crockpot or microwave
BACKGROUND
❑ large spoon
Scientists explore our world by
❑ tape
objectively testing hypotheses using the
scientific method: define the problem/ per student group:
ask a question, collect background ❑ 1 pan or bowl of room-
information, formulate a hypothesis, temperature water
test the hypothesis, make and record
observations, and draw conclusions. ❑ 2 beverage cups
In this exercise, students will act as ❑ 2 thermometers
laboratory scientists trying to determine
if walruses stay warmer in water or in ❑ 2 popsicle sticks
air. In other words, in which ❑ pencil
environment might walruses lose
❑ copy of Hypothesize This!
less body heat? (Heat loss occurs about
funsheet on page 13
22 times faster in water than in air.

ACTION

1. Before beginning activity, heat peanut “Heat loss occurs at the same rate in
butter in crockpot or microwave to water and in air.”
between 80° and 90°F. 4. Distribute pans or bowls of water,
2. Tell students that for this exercise thermometers, popsicle sticks, cups,
they are laboratory scientists. They and tape. Students tape a popsicle
are trying to solve the question, “Do stick to each thermometer so that one
walruses stay warmer in water or in end of the stick extends slightly past
air?” Explain the scientific method of the thermometer bulb (don’t tape the
stating a testable hypothesis, then bulb). This technique will help stu-
devising an experiment to confirm or dents stir without the thermometer
disprove the statement. bulb touching the bottom or sides of
the cup or pan.
3. Divide class into student groups and
distribute copies of Hypothesize 5. Students record the temperature of
This! funsheets and pencils. Ask the water in the pan or bowl.
students to state their hypothesis and 6. Fill the cups half-full with peanut
write their team members’ names. butter. Each student group has two
One possible hypothesis would be half-full cups of peanut butter.

12 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses 4–8

7. Students record the initial tempera- for 4 minutes. Students analyze the
ture of the peanut butter in each cup. results and answer the questions on
Then, one student in each group the funsheet.
holds one cup of peanut butter in the
pan of water (but don’t touch the bot-
tom of the pan). Another student DEEPER DEPTHS
holds the cup in the air. Students use
thermometers to continuously stir the Given the question, ask students
peanut butter in each cup to ensure a to devise their own experiment.
uniform temperature throughout. A Students should include materials
third student in each group records needed, hypothesis, and procedure in
temperatures at 30-second intervals, addition to any handouts.

Hypothesize This!
Our hypothesis statement:__________________________________________
Our scientific team members:_______________________________________
Our data:
Temperature changes in peanut butter

cup in 0 min 0.5 min 1.0 min 1.5 min 2.0 min 2.5 min 3.0 min 3.5 min 4.0 min

air

water

Our results:______________________________________________________

Our conclusion:__________________________________________________

Answer the following questions.

Did heat loss occur faster in water or in air? ___________________________
Is your hypothesis still viable?_______________________________________
Use the back of this sheet to create a graph displaying your results.
Evaluate the testing procedure. Was it effective? How could it be
improved?________________________________________________________
Can you design a different experiment to test your hypothesis?
How might the results of your investigation help field scientists studying
walruses?
©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Just Squidding Around

OBJECTIVE MATERIALS
Given directions and a squid, the per student pair:
student will be able to identify the ❑ fresh or frozen and thawed whole
squid’s external anatomy and internal squid (not bait squid)
body parts.
❑ scissors
❑ tweezers
❑ paper towels
❑ photocopy of Just Squidding
Around funsheet on page 15

BACKGROUND
Squids are an important food item for many pinnipeds. To avoid being eaten, squids
have many adaptations. Squids can change color by expanding or contracting pigmented
skin cells. They can confuse predators by shooting a jet of ink that forms a dark cloud in
the water. To capture prey, a squid uses its two long front tentacles and eight arms. Its
jawlike beak bites prey.

ACTION

1. Rinse and dry squids. Distribute near the head to the tip between the
materials and squids. fins. Place mantle flaps to the side.
2. Begin with external anatomy by 5. Use the funsheet illustration to
having students extend and straighten identify internal body parts: gills,
the arms, tentacles, and body. Use heart, ink sac, stomach, liver, and
the Just Squidding Around funsheet gonads.
to identify these parts and the 6. After identifying the internal body
mantle, pen, siphon, fins, and parts, students can remove the pen
chromatophores. by firmly grasping it at the tip (near
3. Have students prepare the squid for the squid’s head) with the tweezers
cutting by positioning the squid and pulling it straight out. Also,
siphon-side up with the fins placed they can gently remove the two beak
against the table. halves for a closer look.
4. For best results, students should lift,
then cut the mantle from the base

14 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Name

Just Squidding Around

Exploring Squid Anatomy

Make a check next to the name as you identify different parts of the squid.
❑ arms — seize prey. produces sperm. The female gonad
(ovary) is an opaque mass that
❑ beak — cuts prey into bite-sized pieces.
produces eggs.
❑ brain — controls movement. A squid’s
brain is highly developed for an inver-
❑ hearts — circulate blood.
tebrate. The brain appears as a small ❑ ink sac — holds thick, black ink that
white ball just behind the beak. the squid releases to confuse predators.
❑ chromatophores — pigment-bearing ❑ liver — secretes digestive enzymes.
cells that expand or contract to change The liver is salmon colored and is often
the skin color (dark spots on mantle). found under the ink sac.
❑ esophagus — carries food from the ❑ mantle — body, holds internal organs.
mouth to the stomach. ❑ nidamental gland — females only;
❑ eyes — form an image, detect changes secretes a gelatinous mass that sur-
in light. rounds the eggs in the mantle cavity.
❑ fins — stabilize squid while swimming. ❑ pen — remnant of shell.
❑ gills — absorb oxygen from the water. ❑ siphon — squirts water to propel squid.
❑ gonad — the male gonad (testis) is a ❑ stomach — digests food.
white filamentous mass that ❑ tentacles — seize prey.

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Sharing the Sea

OBJECTIVE MATERIALS
The student will investigate the inter- per student:
relationships of predator and prey and ❑ copy of Sharing the Sea funsheet
the diversity of food items in the sea. on page 17
❑ copy of Pinniped Picks cards on
pages 6 and 7
❑ pen or pencil

BACKGROUND
Many animals eat similar food items, depending on the location and availability of
prey. People also eat some of the same animals as pinnipeds. To ease competition,
animals may feed at different times of the day (nocturnal versus diurnal feeders) or
may catch different sizes of prey (young larval stages versus full-grown adults).

ACTION

1. Distribute Sharing the Sea funsheet

and Pinniped Picks animal cards. DEEPER DEPTHS
2. Working in groups, students read the Have students research some of the
prey item portion of the Pinniped commercial fisheries that have
Picks cards. On the funsheet, they declined or collapsed. For example,
checkmark what food items each the cod fishery in the northwestern
species eats. Students also check- Atlantic, the anchovy fishery off
mark the food items that people the Pacific coast of South America,
might eat. and the salmon fishery in the
northeastern Pacific.
3. In their groups, students look for
species that share the most food How does overfishing by humans
items. affect the animal populations that
4. As a class discuss how competing also prey on these items? The
species could share ocean resources. November 1995 issue of National
How can humans share resources Geographic has an excellent article,
with pinnipeds? “Diminishing Returns. Exploiting
the Ocean’s Bounty,” that addresses
some of these concerns.

16 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Name
Sharing the Sea
harbor seal California sea lion Guadalupe fur seal Steller sea lion northern elephant seal people

food items

Crustaceans

shrimps

lobsters

crabs

Molluscs

squids

octopuses

clams

snails

mussels

Fishes

skates

sharks

deepwater fishes

eels

Mammals

seals

whale carcasses

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Polar Passport

OBJECTIVE MATERIALS
The student will be able to find locations ❑ copies of the Polar Passport
on a map or globe by using longitude map on page 19
and latitude coordinates.
❑ pens or pencils
❑ globe or atlas

ACTION

Do this activity as a class or in learning 5. From the equator, have students

groups. After finding a location, identify count two lines of latitude toward
the pinniped(s) that live(s) there. the North Pole. What latitude is this
1. Distribute copies of Polar Passport line? (20°N) Next count five lines
to students or learning groups. Have below the equator. What latitude is
students find the thin, black lines this? (50°S)
that run up and down the globe 6. Ask students to find the Arctic
(from North Pole to South Pole). region. The North Pole is at 90°N
These lines are called lines of altitude. (Not shwon on flat map.)
longitude. Longitude is expressed Where is the South Pole?
in degrees east or west (°E or °W). (90°S latitude)
2. Next have students find 0° longitude. 7. Now that students are familiar with
Follow this line to find and label the longitude and latitude, ask the
Mediterranean Sea, north of the con- following questions:
tinent of Africa. What pinniped lives
What country is found at about
here? (Mediterranean monk seal)
30°W longitude and between 60°
3. Students then count lines to the right and 70°N latitude? (Iceland)
of 0° until they reach 165° longitude. What pinniped is found there?
What ocean is here? (Arctic Ocean) (harbor seal)
Follow 165° to find and label New What continent is found at 135°E
Zealand. What pinniped lives here? longitude and 20°S latitude?
(New Zealand fur seal) (Australia)
4. Ask students to find the equator. All What U.S. state is found at 165°W
lines running parallel to the equator longitude and between 60° and
are lines of latitude. Latitude is 70° N latitude? (Alaska)
expressed in degrees north or south What country is at 140°E longitude
(°N or °S ). The equator is 0° latitude. and between 30° and 40°N
Follow the equator to find and label latitude? (Japan)
the Galápagos Islands off the west
What continent lies at 0° longitude
coast of South America. What pin-
and 80°S latitude? (Antarctica)
niped lives here? (Galápagos fur seal)

18 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.

 Name
Polar Passport

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Milk Makeup

OBJECTIVES MATERIALS
Students will investigate the nutritional per student group:
composition of cow milk and pinniped ❑ various milk cartons (nonfat, 1%,
milk. They will create charts showing 2% and whole) with nutritional
the amount of fat, protein, sugar, and information listed
water in cow and pinniped milk.
❑ metric weight scale
❑ measuring cup
❑ paper
❑ pencil
BACKGROUND
Pinnipeds have very fat-rich milk. Rich, creamy milk contains a lot of calories (energy)
and helps pups grow quickly. Pinnipeds with a short (one month) nursing period
generally produce milk with a higher fat content than pinnipeds who have an extended
(six month) nursing period.

ACTION

1. Help students read nutritional infor- 4. Write the following information on

mation on the milk cartons. Explain the board regarding pinniped milk.
the meaning of serving size and • Harbor seal milk contains 45% fat,
values for fat, protein, and sugars 45% water, 9% protein, 1% sugar.
(carbohydrates).
• Walrus milk contains 60% water,
2. Have students determine the per- 30% fat, 10% protein, and traces of
centages of water, fat, protein, and sugars.
sugar by following this procedure.
Determine the serving size (such as 5. Have students create new pie charts
8 oz. or 236 ml). On a metric scale, for each pinniped milk data and
weigh the measuring cup then fill create a new milk carton for listing
the cup with a serving size of milk. ingredients. Would anyone like to
Determine how many grams the buy harbor seal milk?
liquid weighs. Look at the nutritional
label and add the weight values for
fat, sugar, and protein. Subtract that water
value from the total weight value to 88%
get the weight of water.
3. Demonstrate how to present this 6% sugars
information in the form of a pie 4% protein
chart by copying the pie chart at 2% fat
right onto a chalkboard or writing
surface. Nutrient values for 2% fat cow milk.
20 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.
 Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses 4–8

Fur Seal Survey

OBJECTIVE MATERIALS
Given a current environmental per student group:
situation, the student will be able to ❑ copies of the Seal Survey Cards on
gather information, organize, analyze, pages 22 and 23
and present data. They will participate
in a decision-making process. per class:
❑ maps of Antarctica
❑ markers
❑ graph paper
❑ library or Internet references

ACTION

1. Divide class into three student and data They then design graphs,
groups. Each group represents a charts or other visuals to support
different group of scientists and their situation.
naturalists studying the Antarctic 3. When students are ready, set up a
fur seal. “meeting of the minds” with all
Group 1—studying habitat three groups. Allow each group
destruction caused by fur seals three minutes to introduce their
survey and suggestions.
Group 2—studying pollution in the
Antarctic 4. After each group has spoken, com-
pare and contrast ideas and goals of
Group 3—documenting the fur seal’s
each one. Does a group need to
recovery from near extinction
change its orginal plans after hearing
2. After each student group has the other group’s presentation?
received a card, allow time (maybe Discuss new solutions.
one week) for students to become
5. As a class, write final reports for
familiar with the situation and
each situation including comments
gather additional resources.
or information from the other
Students may also want to gather
groups’ situation.
information about the Antarctic
Treaty, Antarctic fur seal, and other
species at South Georgia Island (tus-
sock grass, hair grass, king penguin,
northern fur seal, subantarctic fur
seal). In preparing the data, have
each student group set objectives
and goals, and organize information

©2001 SeaWorld, Inc. 21

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

FUR SEAL SURVEY GROUP 1 (THE TUSSOCK TEAM)

You are scientists investigating the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) on
South Georgia Island (54°S, 36°W). About 95% of the world’s Antarctic fur seals use
South Georgia Island as their rookery (breeding area). The Antarctic fur seal
population has rapidly increased since 1958. It’s estimated that 1.8 million Antarctic
fur seals live on South Georgia Island.
Population increases in indigenous species is usually good news. But not this
time. The seals are trampling the native plants (tussock and hair grass) as they travel
from the shore to the rookery. According to once source, more than 60% of the grass
habitat has been destroyed. Birds, like the pipit and pintail, need the tussock grass
for nesting. The destruction of the grasses is also adding to the erosion of the area.
Research and investigate the natural history of the area. Discuss what may
happen if the Antarctic fur seal population continues to grow.
• How will it affect the ecosystem of the island?
• What other animal species live on South Georgia Island? How will they be affected?
• What’s the effect on the local predators and prey of the fur seal? The effect on birds?
The effect on tussock grass consumers?
• Is there a way to estimate if the Antarctic fur seal population is at carrying capacity
(maximum number of individual species which the ecosystem can support)?
• Should the scientific community step in? If so, how? If not, why not?
• Do you think controlled hunting should be allowed?
©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FUR SEAL SURVEY GROUP 2 (DEBRIS CAN BE DEADLY)

You and your colleagues are concerned about the excessive amount of debris in
the Antarctic and subantarctic. At this time you are focusing your attention on how
debris is affecting the Antarctic fur seal (Artocephalus gazella) on South Georgia
Island (54°S, 36°W). The Antarctic fur seal population has increased since 1958. It’s
estimated that 1.8 million Antarctic fur seals live on South Georgia Island.
As many as 1% of the Antarctic fur seals on South Georgia Island may have
“debris collars” of plastic packing bands, nylon string, or broken fishing nets
around their necks. As a seal grows, the plastic cuts into the skin causing lacerations
which can lead to infection, strangulation, and even death.
You wonder how many of these animals may be dying from entanglement.
You know that the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) population is declining in
part due to entanglement in debris. In fact, some estimate that up to 30,000 northern
fur seals die each year due to entanglement in nets or other debris.
You and your colleagues must hypothesize how the debris is getting to this
area. Investigate ocean currents, current fishing activities in the area, and nearby
human populations to determine where the debris is coming from. How could it
affect the Antarctic fur seal population?
Make some suggestions about how to control pollution. What other
information is needed to make decisions?
©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses 4–8

FUR SEAL SURVEY GROUP 3 (BACK FROM THE BRINK CLUB)

You are members of a unique organization that celebrates the regrowth of
populations of animals that were once reduced due to human influences. For
example you highlight animals such as the gray whale and northern elephant seal
because the populations have grown from near extinction to large, thriving populations.
One of the animals on your “winners” list is the Antarctic fur seal
(Arctocephalus gazella). The Antarctic fur seal hunting trade began in 1790 and
during its 117-year history caused this species to become nearly extinct, twice.
From 1790 to 1820 Antarctic fur seals were hunted on South Georgia Island
(54°S, 36°W) to near extinction. During the period from 1870 to 1907 all Antarctic fur
seals on South Georgia Island were killed. Scientists estimate that as many as 1.2
million fur seals had been killed by this time. Fur seals were not seen on South
Georgia Island again until 1915 when one was shot during an elephant seal hunt.
In 1820 fur seals were also discovered on the South Shetland Islands (62°S,
58°W) and in 1821 nearly 250,000 seals were killed. They were also discovered on
the South Sandwich (57°S, 26°W) and South Orkney (60°S, 45°W) Islands. These
populations were quickly depleted. Only a few hundred fur seals survived through-
out their range.
By 1907 the Antarctic fur seal was “commercially extinct” (and the species
itself was thought by many to be extinct). Since 1958 the Antarctic fur seal
population has increased. Today, 1.8 million Antarctic fur seals (95% of the
world’s population) live on South Georgia Island.
You and your colleagues need to make some graphs and charts, such as time-
lines, to show the original decline and eventual growth of this population. Discuss
why the fur seal might have been hunted. What treaties and conventions protect the
Antarctic fur seals?
What other information is needed to make decisions?

©2001 Sea World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Some Antarctic fur seals

have “debris collars” on
their neck made of pack-
ing bands, nylon string,
and broken fishing nets. If
not removed, the “collars”
can cause open wounds.

©2001 SeaWorld, Inc. 23

SeaWorld Teacher’s Guide

Bibliography
Bonner, W. Nigel. Seals and Sea Lions of the World. New York: Facts On File Publications,
1994.
Byrum, Jody. Pinnipeds from Pole to Pole. Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses. San Diego:
SeaWorld Education Department, 2000.
DeLong Robert L. and Brent S. Stewart. “Diving Patterns of Northern Elephant Seal
Bulls.” Marine Mammal Science. 7(4), 1991, pp 369-384.
Gordon, David George. Seals and Sea Lions. Monterey, California: Monterey Bay
Aquarium, 1994.
Harrison, R.J., Richard C. Hubbard, Richard S. Peterson, Charles E. Rice, and Ronald J.
Schustermann, eds. The Behavior and Physiology of Pinnipeds. New York, Meredith
Corp., 1968. (old but a “bible”)
King, Judith. Seals of the World. Second edition. New York: Comstock Publishing, 1983.
Parham, Donna. To the Rescue. The SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Rescue and
Rehabilitation Program. San Diego: SeaWorld, 2001.*
Reeves, Randall R., Brent S. Stewart, and Stephen Leatherwood. The Sierra Club
Handbook of Seals and Sirenians. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1992.
Renouf, Deane. ed. Behavior of Pinnipeds. London: Chapman and Hall, 1991.
Ridgway, Sam H. and Richard J. Harrison F.R.S., eds. Handbook of Marine Mammals.
Volume 1: The Walrus, Sea Lions, Fur Seals, and Sea Otter and Volume 2: Seals.
San Diego: Academic Press, 1981.
Reidman, Marianne. The Pinnipeds: Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses. Berkeley: University of
California Press, 1990.

Shamu TV® on Video*

Rescue at Sea: A Pinniped Challenge, 1999.

Books for Young Readers

Arnold, Caroline. Sea Lion. New York: Morrow, 1994.
Baker, Lucy. Seals. New York: Puffin Books, 1990.
Debbie’s favorite book Flip Flop the Walrus to come
Brown, Joseph E. Wonders of Seals and Sea Lions. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1976.
Leon, Vicki and Frank Baltis. Seals and Sea Lions. San Luis Obispo, California, Central
Coast Books, 1999.
Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses. New York: Holiday House,
1990.
Resnick, Jane. All About Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses. Bridgeport, Conneticut: Third
Story Books, 1994.
Sler, Joëlle. The Seal. Watertown, Massachusetts: Charlesbridge Publishing, 1992.
Wexo, John Bonnett. Zoobooks. Seals & Sea Lions. San Diego: Wildlife Education,
Ltd., 1992.

*These books and videos available through SeaWorld San Diego. Call 1-800-380-3202 for order information.
24 ©2001 Sea World, Inc.