crab-eating seal
Definition
- 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.
Noun
-
silvery grey Antarctic seal subsisting on crustaceans
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