crab-eating seal

Thân thiện

A crab-eating seal swims gracefully through the icy blue water.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A silvery-grey Antarctic seal that subsists on crustaceans: The "crab-eating seal" is a marine mammal native to Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, known for its distinctive coloration and diet primarily consisting of krill and other small crustaceans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Researchers observed a large colony of crab-eating seals on the ice floe.
  • Despite its name, the crab-eating seal primarily feeds on Antarctic krill.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological role: The term is often used in scientific contexts to discuss the species' role in the Antarctic food web.
  • The crab-eating seal is a crucial predator in maintaining krill population balance.

Variants and Related Words

• Lobodon carcinophaga (n): The scientific name for the crab-eating seal.
• Crabeater seal (n): A common alternative spelling for the same species.

Synonyms

• Crabeater seal: The most common synonym, often used interchangeably.
• Krill seal: An informal name referencing its primary food source.

Notes on Meaning

• Misleading name: It is important to note that the "crab-eating seal" does not typically eat crabs. Its name is a historical misnomer; its diet is overwhelmingly composed of Antarctic krill.
• Physical description: The seal is characterized by a slender body and a silvery-grey coat, which may appear brownish after molting.

Học thuật

Noun

1. silvery grey Antarctic seal subsisting on crustaceans

Từ đồng nghĩa

• crabeater seal