[PDF] Biology of the Antarctic Seas IX

About The ProductPublished by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Antarctic Research Series.
The osteology of the Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossi) is described. The bones of this species closely resemble those of Leptonychotes, the only other Monachinae for which a general osteology is available. The hand and foot of Ommatophoca are relatively longer than those of other phocids, and several characteristics of this seal are adaptative modifications for swimming and for swallowing large prey. Possible sexual discriminating characteristics are discussed.
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