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How does the diving ability of harp seals compare with that of some other seal species?

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harp seal A mother harp seal and a young “whitecoat.” Adult harp seals are gray with black spots. Young harp seals are called “whitecoats,” “bedlamers,” “beaters,” or “graybacks,” depending on their age.

Compared with other seal species, the harp seal is not considered a strong diver. While harp seals typically reach a maximum dive depth of 370 metres (1,200 feet) and remain submerged for about 16 minutes, other species demonstrate significantly greater diving capabilities.1

For example, the hooded seal is a strong swimmer capable of diving to depths exceeding 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) and staying underwater for nearly an hour. Similarly, the Weddell seal is an accomplished diver that has been recorded remaining submerged for up to 73 minutes and descending to depths of 600 metres. While many seal species are excellent divers, these examples highlight that the harp seal's physiological limits for depth and duration are modest in comparison to these more specialized deep-diving relatives.2341