Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) bull holding adult female in the surf to mate with her, South Georgia, Polar Regions

mirounga leonina bull female surf mating south georgia polar regions marine mammals wildlife reproduction beach coastline natural behavior ocean sealing breeding season animal behavior mating ritual seal colony nature marine biology conservation antarctic aquatic behavior marine ecosystem south atlantic sexual dimorphism predators prey habitat natural world animal kingdom evolution ecology coastal environment surf zone mating habits social behavior seal pups marine habitat ocean mammals coastal regions biodiversity conservation efforts marine life wildlife interactions coastal wildlife