Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)

Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris) - USA - California
GeoCard #938

9/10/2009 - The Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris) derive their name from their great size and from the male's large proboscis, which is used in making extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating competition. There is a great sexual dimorphism in size. The males can grow to 14 ft (4 m) and 5,000 lb (2,300 kg), while the females grow to 11 ft (3 m) and 1,400 lb (640 kg). Correspondingly, there is a highly polygynous mating system, with a successful male able to impregnate up to 50 females in one season.

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