We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species. It was our pleasure to gather the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
Certainly, these few species listed in this article represent only a portion of the similar marvels in this region. It’s our belief, though, that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders that exist. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Fin Whale
Fin Whale Facts
- Starting off this article about these 5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species we present the majestic marine marvel known as the Fin Whale.
- This magnificent work of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the common name used here. It also goes by the alternate name of the common rorqual and the finback whale. Previously it was also known by two other unique terms.
- Those formerly used names consisted of the razorback whale and the herring whale. Scientists, however, know it by yet another term. It’s a much more difficult to pronounce term, however. That’s its technical name of Balaenoptera physalus.
- The first formal acknowledgement of the astounding creature as a separate and distinct species occurred in 1758. That official recognition additionally took place at the hands of the highly esteemed Swedish botanist and zoologist, Carl Linnaeus.
- Regrettably, like many of its brethren, humans once hunted this mammoth of the seas mercilessly. Due to the actions of humans, its population plummeted. Thankfully, though, the International Whaling Commission issued a moratorium on hunting of it.
- Following this action, its numbers slowly rebounded, though its numbers still lag far behind the original. Current estimates now place its global population at between 100,000 and 119,000. The IUCN, therefore, now lists the cetacean as Vulnerable.
- The beautiful Fin Whale still faces many threats to its existence, despite the ban. That’s because of several factors. One of those consists of the fact that Japan and Iceland have resumed hunting. It further faces the ongoing threat posed by climate change.
The breathtaking Fin Whale quite easily impresses the viewer for several undeniable reasons. The first of these, however, has to be its sheer physical size. That’s due to the fact that the whale represents the second-largest of all creatures known to currently exist.
Physical dimensions actually vary between populations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Overall, however, the difference remains relatively minor. Individuals further display a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism.
In its specific case, this trait manifests in terms of physical size. More precisely, females attain an average body length slightly greater than that of the males. The former average around 66 ft (20 m), while the males only attain lengths averaging about 61 ft (18.5 m).
The body weights of the genders, understandably, also differ. In the Northern Hemisphere, the longer females typically weigh 111,000 lbs (50,349 kg), but the males only average 85,000 lb (38,555 kg). In the Southern Hemisphere, both measurements are slightly greater.
Otherwise, though, the two sexes remain virtually identical in terms of general physical appearance. This visual pattern remains a complex mix, though. The underside appears an off-white in color. The upperside, meanwhile, appears grayish to brownish.
The head of the Fin Whale, though, presents a unique pattern of its own. On the left side, this appears a dark gray. The right side, though, shows a surprisingly complex pattern. This consists of various patches of contrasting light and dark gray and brown shades.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Balaenopteridae
- Genus: Balaenoptera
- Species: B. physalis
Fin Whale Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
One factor working in the favor of the awesome Fin Whale continues to be its habitat range. That’s because this species, like most rorquals, has a cosmopolitan distribution. In point of fact, populations appear in virtually all of the major oceans of the globe.
These include regions extending from both the North and South Poles, to all of the tropical regions. The exceptions to this range remain few, in fact. These include the zones near the ice packs at both poles. Others, though, include areas such as the Red Sea.
This wonder of Nature also displays a high degree of versatility in its habitat preferences. That’s clearly demonstrated, however, by its appearance in such wide-ranging climates. It does appear to be more common intemperate and cool waters, though.
Like many of its related species, this cetacean evolved as a filter feeder. It therefore feeds primarily on vast quantities of krill. Its diet does, however, include a smaller percentage of other prey. These include other small crustaceans, fish, and sometimes squid.
It in turn has only one known natural predator, other than mankind, of course. That’s the equally magnificent Orca. To the best knowledge of researchers, however, such attacks occur on a rare basis. When they do, it typically involves several so-called killer whales.
For the amazing Fin Whale, mating usually occurs in the Winter. The females typically give birth every 2-3 years, and to a single calf, though multiples do occur. These sometimes number as many as calves. Finally, mobile groups generally average 6-10 specimens.
Harp Seal
Harp Seal Facts
- Next up in this collection of 5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species comes the lovely creature simply named the Harp Seal.
- A marvel of Nature and evolution, this majestic creature most frequently goes by the simple common name in its range. It does have a few other, less often used titles, though. Those include the terms Greenland Seal and Saddleback Seal.
- Among scientific professionals, though, it’s more typically referred to by its formal name. That moniker, however, is extremely difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s true given that its official title is that of the Pagophilus groenlandicus.
- The remarkable Pinniped received that tongue-twisting appelation due to the efforts of the German naturalist, Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben. The noted researcher accomplished the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species in 1777.
- This impressive masterpiece of Nature classifies as an earless seal, otherwise known as a true seal. It also stands out for a surprising reason. That’s because this distinctive species of seal currently represents the only known member of its entire genus.
- Thankfully, however, the population base of the Harp Seal appears to have rebounded from the past, when it was hunted without restriction. It now has relatively stable and sizeable numbers. The IUCN thus lists the mammal as Least Concern on its Red List.
- The amazing animal nevertheless still faces various threats to its continued existence as a species. This natually includes ongoing hunting practices. Yet it also must deal with the dual dangers posed by habitat loss and the ongoing effects of climate change.
Harp Seal Physical Description
The stunning Harp Seal remain one of those fauna that captures your attention when you encounter it. Unlike some species around the world, however, it does so for more than just one reason. This holds true due to the fact that it’s both beautiful and relatively sizeable.
Like the majority of its kin, though, it also displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, however, the animal distinguishes itself further. For this seal, that attribute appears in terms of both size and basic appearance.
Males typically attain a slightly greater size than their female counterparts. These grow to an average length measuring approximately 6.2 ft (1.9 m). In terms of weight, the males generally reach around 298 lb (135 kg). These also end to have a larger hump on their back.
Females, meanwhile, usually reach sizes that, while smaller, aren’t significantly so. They attain an average body length equaling about 5.9 ft (1.8 m). Their body mass likewise remains lighter, but not by much. They grow to an average weight of around 260 lb (120 kg).
In terms of coloring, though, both genders of the Harp Seal present roughly the same pattern. Mature specimens present a background of silver-gray fur, with distinctive black harp-shaped patterns on the upper back. Adults also generally have pure black eyes.
But the young of this wonder of Nature present a vastly different appearance. This even changes as the individual ages. Newborns show pure white for the first few weeks of life. During adolescence, though, this changes to a silver-gray, marked with multiple black spots.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Phocidae
- Genus: Pagophilus
- Species: P. groenlandicus
Harp Seal Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The beautiful Harp Seal evolved as native to a moderately large range for its kind. The precise location and nature of that zone of habitation will likely not surprise anyone, though. That’s because this marvelous species of seal lives in the upper Northern Hemisphere.
More precisely, the animal largely lives in the Arctic Ocean. A smaller percentage, however, also make their home in the more northerly portions of the Atlantic Ocean, as well. For the moment, it’s unknown if it ever lived anywhere beyond that known territorial range.
Not surprisingly, given this zone of habitation, the gorgeous mammal displays decided preferences in its choice of habitat. Most specimens spend the great majority of their time in the open sea. They do spend a small portion of their lives on the surrounding ice, though.
Again following patterns common to Pinnipeds, the animal lives as a highly social creature. Overall, they typically live in large colonies, often numbering in the thousands. Within this larger mass, however, smaller groups also usually form their own hierarchies.
Like most Pinnipeds, the Harp Seal developed as a carnivorous species. It does have a surprisingly diverse diet, though. It feeds on a variety of invertebrate and fish species, totalling several dozen different species. Precise prey depends upon an individual’s location.
The animal in turn has its own share of predators, to be sure. Juveniles frequently fall victim to the attacks of land-based hunters, such as wolves and Polar Bears. Mature adults, meanwhile, face attacks by various larger types of sharks, as well as Orcas across their range.
Orca
Orca Facts
- Our next choice for inclusion in this gathering of these 5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species is the stunning animal known merely as the Orca.
- The extremely simple term names an unforgettable species of toothed whale that many refer to the species as killer whales. This breathtakingly beautiful, but deadly, marvel of Nature also forms the largest extant species of the oceanic dolphin family.
- The powerful creature thus remains regarded as an apex predator in every ocean, much like the Great White Shark. Due to various reasons related to its movements, the IUCN currently lists its conservation status as Data Insufficient.
- That highly uncertain status appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. This also occurs because many scientists believe that the behavior of various local populations may indicate the existence of two or more subspecies of Orca.
- Nonetheless, many individuals currently believe this magnificent creature to be facing various threats to its continued existence. Lamentably, one of these perils continues to be that of becoming an accidental bycatch in commercial fishing.
- Another threat, however, continues to be the danger of encounters with boats. That holds true of both fishing and recreational forms. Its greatest threat, however, most likely comes from the tragic ongoing effects of climate change.
Orca Physical Description
Perhaps most notably, the adult Orca possesses a very distinctive color pattern. and is therefore rarely confused with any other creature, even at a distance. Typically, the animal presents black on the back with sides and chest a bright white in color.
This magnificent animal also displays a white patch present behind and above the eye. Its body shape is heavy and robust. A small degree of sexual dimorphism exists as well. The male Orca averages between 20-26 ft (6-8 m) in length, and about 12,000 lb (5,443 kg).
Females, however, develop somewhat smaller than that in overall size. In point of fact, these reach maturity with an average length of 16-23 ft (5-7 m), and an average weight of 8,000 lb (3,629 kg). The dorsal fin of the male is also twice the size of that of the female.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Delphinidae
- Genus: Orcinus
- Species: O. orca
Orca Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Further augmenting its status, the breathtaking Orca has an extraordinarily broad range of habitation. That’s due to the fact that it inhabits every ocean on earth, from tropical seas to the Arctic and Antarctic areas, and has no known natural predators.
Due to its great range and global distribution, an exact estimate of its numbers is impossible. However, the general estimate is that there are at least 50,000 surviving Orca individuals at this time. But that number could change with new informtion.
Though the species remains present globally, the greatest concentrations exist in higher latitudes and coastal regions. The largest population concentration also lives in the region of the Antarctic. This fact often surprises those new to knowledge of it.
Sometimes referred to as the wolves of the sea, the Orca typically hunts in packs. Its favorite prey varies rather greatly, with specialization occurring between local populations. Overall, its food primarily consists of fish, birds, and various marine mammals.
That includes species such as baleen whales, other toothed whales, seals, sea lions, walruses, and at times sea otters. In addition, in the wild, the majority of Orca specimens observed appear to live as long as 90 years. In captivity, sadly, individuals die much younger.
Walrus
Walrus Facts
- Now appearing in this compendium of these 5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species we present the incredible creature known as the Walrus.
- This massive product of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the easy common name that we’re applying to it here. It currently has no other broadly accepted general name. Though certain not unknown, that’s nonetheless somewhat uncommon.
- It’s the only surviving member of its Family. The appellation holds yet another unusual status. That’s because of the fact that the same term also applies to two separate recognized subspecies. Those consist of the Atlantic Walrus and the Pacific Walrus.
- Among scientific professionals, however, a different moniker typically applies. That’s true since its technical title generally predominates in such situations. Unfortunately for the layperson, though, that’s the hard to pronouce epithet Odobenus rosmarus.
- The creature received that designation due to the efforts of Carl Linnaeus. The highly esteemed Swedish zoologist accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species, originally. That noteworthy deed occurred in 1758.
- Sadly, the amazing Walrus presently finds itself in somewhat dire straits. Its population suffered drastically in the past, due to human activities. Though it enjoys protected status now, the species is still suffering the effects of prolonged hunting practices.
- Now, however, it also faces other threats to its continued existence. Give its precarious situation, the IUCN currently lists it as Vulnerable on its Red List. The major dangers it faces consist of the related troubles of habitat loss and ongoing climate change.
Walrus Physical Description
The magnificent Walrus is a work of Nature that fully merits the respect and appreciation it typically receives from those who view it. The pinniped does so, however, due to more than its unique appearance. That’s true since it’s also a highly impressive-sized animal.
It also shares a trait common to many, if not most, animals. That’s the fact that it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. Though this varies between the two subspecies, generally speaking, females show different size and color.
On average, the Pacific subspecies attains the greater dimensions of the two. In this subspecies, as well as the other, males reach larger average sizes than their female counterparts. These measure an average of 18% longer and 45% heavier than the females.
Males of the larger subgroup typically achieve truly impressive stature. In fact, they rank as the third largest of all pinnipeds. A mean body length equals roughly 9 – 12 ft (2.7 – 3.6 m). Meanwhile, weights generally range from 1,764 – 3,748 lb (800 – 1,700 kg).
Females of the subgroup develop as slimmer in structure, as the percentages indicate. Their overall length usually measures between 7.5 – 10 ft (2.3 – 3.1 m). Masses for them, though, generally range from 882 -2,756 lb (400 – 1,250 kg). Exceptions do occur, however.
The genders of both subdivisions of the amazing Walrus also show differences in terms of color patterns. Overall, this tends to consist of a cinnamon-brown shade. Yet, differences nevertheless appear. Males most often display a slightly lighter hue than females.
Other differences also present themselves to distinguish the two sexes. In addition to be lighter colored, the skin of males usually develops as thicker and less hairy than females. The powerful males also possess significantly longer and thicker tusks than their counterparts.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Odobenidae
- Genus: Odobenus
- Species: O. rosmarus
Walrus Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Both subspecies of the intriguing Walrus evolved as native to a very specific portion of the globe. As a greater principle, this consists of a moderately large expanse of the earth’s surface. The location of that zone of habitation likely won’t surprise many readers, though.
The two groups developed as endemic to part of the Arctic Ocean region. The Pacific walrus primarily lives north of the Bering Strait in summer, including the regions near such places as northern Alaska. In spring and fall they move to the western area of that range.
The Atlantic walrus, with its much smaller population, though, lives in a different section of the region. That territory extends roughly from the Arctic parts of Canada, to the western part of Russia. That includes such areas as Grenland and the archipelago of Svalbard.
The marvelous mammal displays decidedly strong preferences regarding its choice of habitat. Due to that, the creature shallow shelf regions along the shoreline. Though capable of diving to depths of as much as 1,640 ft (500 m), it usually remains in shallower waters.
Like its may relatives, the Walrus also evolved as carnivorous in nature. The animal consumes a wide variety of locally available species. It also feeds opportunistically. Nonetheless, the natural wonder does display a preference for mollusks, especially clams.
Given its great size, power, and sharp tusks, this carnivore itself has very few natural predators. In fact, only two known species prey on it, and even then only rarely. These consists of the Orca and the Polar Bear. Even these generally only attack the young calves.
Sei Whale
Sei Whale Facts
- Closing out this article about these 5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species, the incredible Sei Whale fully earns its spot on the list.
- The surprisingly simple term serves as the most frequently used common name for this remarkable mammoth of the seas. The impressive creature does have other titles, though, These include such names as the pollack whale and the Rudolphi’s rorqual.
- Within scientific circles, however, the animal’s much better known by its formal title. That’s a somewhat hard to pronounce term for the layperson, though. That’s because this wonder of evolution bears the official moniker of the Balaenoptera borealis.
- The mammal received that name due to the efforts of the French naturalist, René-Primevère Lesson. He accomplished the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He managed this scientifically noteworthy deed in the year 1828.
- It’s a massive species, ranking as the third largest extant animal on the planet. Despite its great size, though, it’s also one of the fastest of all cetaceans. Fortunately, this wonder of Nature and evolution is now protected by multiple international treaties.
- Even though it now enjoys protection, it still has a population base that’s significantly smaller than in previous centuries. That lamentable condition extends throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN, thus, now lists it as Endangered on its Red List.
- It faces multiple threats to its continued existence. Most of these stem either directly or indirectly from the actions of humans. Illegal hunting still continues in some regions. Its greatest danger, though, most likely comes from ongoing climate change.
Sei Whale Physical Description
The magnificent Sei Whale easily impresses those individuals fortunate enough to view one. Unlike some creatures, however, they do so for more than just one reason. This masterpiece of evolution garners attention due to both its beauty and sheer physical measurements.
Like many of its relatives, it also displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, that trait manifests itself in terms of pure size. More precisely, females of the species attain a greater size than their male counterparts.
Intriguingly, sizes of both genders varies depending upon what portion of its range they live in. Overall, though, males attain a maximum average length of approximately 61 ft (18.6 m). In the same region of the globe, females reach an average length equaling 64 ft (19.5 m).
Weights also vary between the different portions of its range, in both genders. But, in general, individuals weight between 33,069 – 44,093 lb (15,000 – 20,000 kg). Exceptional individuals do occur, of course, regardless of gender. Few exceed these sizes by much.
In terms of appearance, both sexes of the Sei Whale present the same general color scheme. The majority of the body displays a dark, steel gray hue. The underside, though, often presents small, irregular white or light gray markings, as well as sometimes the front.
The beak of the impressive creature usually develops as highly pointed in shape. The pectoral fins of the animal also develop as comparatively short. Each further displays a sharply pointed tip. It also possesses a pair of blowholes, just like most other baleen whales.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Balaenopteridae
- Genus: Balaenoptera
- Species: B. borealis
Sei Whale Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The intrepid Sei Whale evolved as native to an extraordinary range of the marine waters of the world. That’s due to the fact that it appears in most oceans of the earth, as well as adjoining seas. The animal does, though, generally avoid tropical and polar waters.
Like many of its relatives, it additionally engages in seasonal migrations. Individuals typically relocate from colder to warmer regions for winter, and cooler one’s for summer. Even today, however, researchers remain uncertain of the precise routes the amazing whales take.
The majestic Cetacean also displays decided preferences in its choice of precise habitat. Due to this pattern, the vast majority of sightings occur in deeper marine regions. Individuals rarely stray into shallower regions near shore, or even semi-enclosed bodies of water.
Most commonly, this marvel of the seas travels singly. Small pods do form sometimes, though usually temporarily. When such groups do form, they rarely exceed six individuals. Researchers still know very little about the social structure of such short-term groups.
The Sei Whale evolved as a filter feeder, again like many of its relatives. Each specimen consumes an average of 2,000 lb (907 kg) of food per day. Its filtering action primarily catches vast quantities of zooplankton, along with a small number of tiny fish.
Mating occurs in either temperate or subtropical waters during the winter period. Females typically give birth to a single calf, most commonly every 2 – 3 years. Both genders reach sexual maturity at 8 – 10 years of age. A typical lifespan for both sexes is roughly 65 years.
5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Spectacular Arctic Ocean Species. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
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