How Do You Spell HARBOR SEAL?

Pronunciation: [hˈɑːbə sˈiːl] (IPA)

The spelling of "harbor seal" can be explained using IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription. The first syllable, "harbor", is pronounced as /ˈhɑːrbər/. The "h" is silent, and the "o" is pronounced as "awe". In the second syllable, "seal", the "e" is pronounced as "ee" and the "a" as "ah", resulting in /siːl/. This species of seal can often be seen at harbors along coastlines and is distinguishable by its spotted coat and unique face shape.

HARBOR SEAL Meaning and Definition

1. A harbor seal, scientifically known as Phoca vitulina, is a species of pinniped mammal belonging to the family Phocidae. It is commonly found along the coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere, including the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.

   The harbor seal is characterized by its robust body, small head, and relatively short flippers. It typically measures between 4 to 6 feet in length and weighs around 200 to 300 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. Their fur coloration varies, ranging from light to dark gray, often with spots or patches.

   These seals are known for spending a significant portion of their life both in the water and on land. On land, they frequently haul out onto rocky coastlines, sandbars, or ice floes to rest, breed, and molt. In the water, harbor seals display excellent swimming and diving abilities, capable of holding their breath for up to 30 minutes and reaching depths of 600 feet during dives.

   Harbor seals are carnivorous marine mammals, primarily feeding on fish, squid, and occasionally crustaceans. They possess strong jaw muscles and sharp teeth to capture and consume their prey.

   Due to their playful and curious nature, harbor seals have captured the interest of scientists and the public alike. They are often observed engaging in activities such as barrel rolling, spyhopping, and porpoising, which adds to their charm and attractiveness. The harbor seal is a vital component of marine ecosystems, providing ecological balance and serving as a vital indicator of the overall health of coastal habitats.

Common Misspellings for HARBOR SEAL

• garbor seal
• barbor seal
• narbor seal
• jarbor seal
• uarbor seal
• yarbor seal
• hzrbor seal
• hsrbor seal
• hwrbor seal
• hqrbor seal
• haebor seal
• hadbor seal
• hafbor seal
• hatbor seal
• ha5bor seal
• ha4bor seal
• harvor seal
• harnor seal
• harhor seal

Etymology of HARBOR SEAL

The word "harbor seal" has a straightforward etymology.

The term "harbor" refers to a sheltered body of water where ships can find refuge or anchorage. It derives from the Old English word "herebeorg", which combines "here" (army) with "beorg" (shelter, protection). Over time, the word evolved into "harbour" in Middle English and eventually became "harbor" in contemporary English.

The term "seal" refers to a type of marine mammal belonging to the family Phocidae. The origin of "seal" can be traced back to the Old English word "seolh" or "seol". It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*selhaz", meaning "seal".

Similar spelling words for HARBOR SEAL

• harbor patrol,
• harborage.