Adult Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) hauled out on ice near the Antarctic Peninsula, Southern Ocean, Polar Regions

weddell seal leptonychotes weddellii resting ice antarctic southern ocean polar regions marine mammal wildlife seal haul out habitat ice floes rookeries frosty environment ocean blue water adaptation cold climate seal behavior natural setting animal conservation biodiversity ecosystem marine biology ice pack photosynthesis frigid temperatures seal pupping feeding aquatic mammals icy landscape geographical features conservation efforts oceanography environmental science animal habitat wildlife observation seal colony animal interaction migratory patterns polar ecosystem underwater life ecological balance antarctic treaty