The loudest voices in the ocean may be the gregarious sea lion. Though clumsy on land, this marine mammal is a strong swimmer and diver, aided by its oar-like flippers and torpedo-shaped body. Sea lions are considered “pinnipeds,” which means “fin-footed” and refers to their long, flat hands and feet.
The gentoo is the third largest of all penguins, just after the emperor and king. One of the family’s fastest swimmers, it can reach speeds up to 15 mph. Gentoos stand out in the Antarctic with their bright orange beaks and feet, and band of white feathers that stretch above both eyes.
The unmistakable peacock is an iridescent showman. His long tail feathers, known as coverts, stretch into a huge fan that seems to stare right back at you with eyes of blue, gold and green. These plumes are used to attract his female counterpart, the peahen. Together the handsome pair is called peafowl.
The hearty polar bear is the largest land carnivore in the world. Because they live on the ice-caps and not typically on land masses, these bears are considered to be marine mammals. Thick layers of blubber and dense, waterproof coats help them survive the harsh Arctic winter. Their oar-like feet act as flippers in the water and snowshoes on land, and insulating, hairy soles allow the bears to walk atop snow and ice.
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