These are fairly common animals in the oceans of the extreme north. Named after the black harp-shaped markings on the back, the harp seal is a marvel of evolution, thanks to the many incredible adaptations it needs to survive in an inhospitable environment, including blubber and flippers. The harp seal is a member of the true earless seal family. This is to distinguish them from fur seals, sea lions, and walruses.
There are two recognized subspecies of harp seals, one in the North Atlantic and another in the White Sea. While they don’t interbreed at all due to their vast geographical distances, there are also no real anatomical or morphological differences between them.
Adult seals molt, or shed their fur, every spring.
A thick layer of blubber just beneath the skin is a necessary adaptation that helps the harp seal to stay warm in the frigid waters of the north. The blubber also helps streamline the body to make it more efficient for swimming.
One of the more amazing facts is that seals have extremely flexible bodies. They can almost fold the upper half completely backwards.
