Anatomy of the hind flippers of two species of seals with reference to thermoregulation

Abstract

The topography and vascular arrangements were examined in the hind flippers of representatives of two families of Pinnipedia: Otariidae, Callorhinus ursinus; and Phocidae, Phoca vitulina.Clearly defined topographical differences were evident between the two animals. However, extreme angiological differences were not evident, possibly because of common ancestry or of convergent adaptation to the marine habitat. The external features, and the arrangement and structure of the vascular network suggest a possible role in thermoregulation.