How Do You Spell CALLORHINUS URSINUS?

1. Callorhinus Ursinus, also known as the northern fur seal, is a species of marine mammal belonging to the family Otariidae. They are characterized by their distinctive appearance, with adult males having a dark brown to black fur, while females and juveniles have a lighter brown coloration. The name Callorhinus Ursinus is derived from the Greek words "kallós" meaning beautiful or fine, "rhīs" meaning nose, and "ura" meaning tail.

   These seals are found in the northern Pacific Ocean, migrating between their breeding grounds on the Pribilof Islands in Alaska and their foraging grounds in the North Pacific Rim. They have a highly developed diving ability, enabling them to dive deep in search of prey such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Adult males are larger than females, reaching lengths of up to 6.5 feet and weighing around 450 pounds, while females measure approximately 4.5 feet and weigh around 150 pounds.

   The northern fur seal is known for its polygynous mating system, where dominant males establish territories and mate with multiple females. Breeding occurs during the summer months, with pups being born from late June to early July. The species is also known for its strong social structure, forming large aggregations on land during the breeding season.

   Historically, the northern fur seal has been heavily exploited for its fur, leading to a significant decline in population during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, conservation efforts and hunting regulations have helped its population to recover, although it is still considered a vulnerable species.

Common Misspellings for CALLORHINUS URSINUS

The word Callorhinus ursinus has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin.

The genus name Callorhinus is derived from the Greek word kalos meaning beautiful and the Greek word rhinos meaning nose. This refers to the distinctive appearance of the animal's face, with a large and bulbous nose.

The species name ursinus is a Latin word meaning bear-like or resembling a bear. This is due to the physical characteristics of the Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), such as its thick fur and bear-like appearance.

Taken together, Callorhinus ursinus can be understood to mean the beautiful-nosed, bear-like seal.