Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Paper

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Introduction
One of the oldest species on the planet that can only be found on the Hawaiian Islands is the Neomonachus scauinslandi, the Hawaiian monk seal. This mammal, also known as the monk seal, seal, Llio holo l ka uana and Na mea hulu, lives throughout the Northern Hawaiian Islands of Hawaii.

Background
This mammal is at high risk for endangerment with only 1,200 left in the world. Their body length can get up to 8 feet and length and weighing anywhere between 300-600 lbs. They are grey in color but turn brown when weathering. Their streamline bodies with large hind flippers with smaller front flippers help them be excellent swimmers that can dive up to the depths of 500 meters for as long as 20 minutes underwater. You will normally …show more content…
One well accepted classification is the following: Animalia (Kingdom), Chordata (Phyllum), Mammalia (Class), Carnivora (Order), Phocidae (Family), Monachus, schauinslandi (Genus and Species). DNA microsatellites revealed unpredicted low levels of diversity and heterozygosity. The Hawaiian monk seal dates all the way back to 70 million years ago (Mya). One fascinating information about the monk seal is there are different species in the genus Monachus. They are as follows: Caribbean monk seal, Mediterranean monk seal and the Hawaiian monk seal (NOAA :: National Marine Fisheries Service, n.d.). Seals have anatomical features that resemble those of seal fossils from 14-16 million years ago. One unique fact is that they are considered a “living fossil” because of their distinct evolutionary linage.

Structure and Function
The skin structure is for the mammal can easily glide through the water and keep it warm. The top layer of its skin sheds its fur about every year that’s called a “Catastrophic molt” (Hawaiian Monk Seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) :: NOAA Fisheries, n.d.). The fur can end up growing a green alga making the seal a greenish color. Some unique things about its body is its reputed for heat tolerance. The front and hind flippers are used for gliding and swimming with ease through the water.

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