Ologies with Alie Ward

Pinnipedology (SEALS & WALRUSES) with Luis A. Hückstädt

May 25, 2021

01:13:48

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Luis A. Hückstädt, a Pinnipedologist, joins the podcast to discuss seals, walruses, blubber, whisker tech, and the differentiation between true seals and sea lions. They delve into the animals' unique reproductive organs, explore the history and culture surrounding pinnipeds, and highlight the diverse vocalizations of seals in Antarctica. The misconception that seals are primarily crab eaters is also debunked. Overall, a fascinating and entertaining episode on the world of pinnipedology.

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Quick takeaways

Pinnipeds, including seals, sea lions, and walruses, have adapted to cold environments and have specialized teeth for specific prey.

Pinnipetologists study these marine mammals using techniques such as bio-logging to gather data on their behavior and diet.

Climate change is impacting pinnipeds and their habitats, affecting their resting areas, prey availability, and survival.

Deep dives

Pinnipeds: The Aquatic Branch of Carnivores

Pinnipeds, which include seals, sea lions, and walruses, are a suborder of carnivores and the aquatic branch of these animals. They are closely related to bears, dogs, and cats. True seals do not have external ears, while sea lions have external ears like our own. These animals have adapted to the cold environments of the Arctic and Antarctic, where there is abundant food. They have specialized teeth for feeding on specific prey, such as krill. Pinnipeds have different swimming techniques depending on the species and their movement on land can vary as well.

Introduction

2min

Seals and Pinnipeds: Classification and Evolution

17min

The Texture and Feel of Touching Seals and the Difference Between Blubber and Fat

2min

Exploring the Characteristics of Pinnipeds

11min

Reproductive Organs of Seals and Walruses

2min

Walrus Baculum, Usok Art, Indigenous Culture, and Seals' Barks

4min

Seal Vocalizations in Antarctica

16min

Misconception: Seals are Primarily Crab Eaters

17min

Gratitude, Encouragement, and Excitement

4min

Seals. Sea lions. Walruses. Walrus dongs. Classic Ologies. We sit down with Luis A Hückstädt, PhD and talk about blubber, ocean currents, psychedelic teeth, whisker tech, receding ice, boops, snoots, barks, butt nubbins and whether or not that one seal from the video actually felt bashful about getting that fish cake? Or was it a sea lion? Which is which? Spoiler: you’ll find out in this episode of Ologies: Pinnipedology.

Follow Luis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/luishuckstadt

And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lahuckst/

A donation from this episode went to https://www.feedingnunavut.com/

and also to www.alaskasealife.org

Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsors

More links and info at alieward.com/ologies/pinnipedology

Transcripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extras

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Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris