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[[File:Crabeater Pléneau Bay.jpg|250px|left]]
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The '''[[crabeater seal]]''' is a true seal with a circumpolar distribution around the coast of [[Antarctica]]. They are by far the most abundant seal species in the world. While population estimates are uncertain, there are at least 7 million and possibly as many as 75 million individuals. This success of this species is due to its specialized predation on the abundant [[Antarctic krill]] of the [[Southern Ocean]], for which it has uniquely adapted, sieve-like tooth structure.
'''[[Wesley E. LeMasurier]]''' is an igneous petrologist/volcanologist who specializes in the study of Cenozoic volcanoes in the [[Marie Byrd Land]] region of [[Antarctica]]. He was responsible for geological research around many of [[Westarctica]]'s volcanic mountains. [[Mount LeMasurier]] was named in his honor.


Despite its name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs. As well as being an important [[krill]] predator, the crabeater seal is an important component of the diet of [[leopard seal|leopard seals]], which consume about 80% of all crabeater pups. The crabeater seal is the official seal of [[Westarctica]], and a favored animal of [[Grand Duke Travis]].
Dr. LeMasurier's work includes studying the origin and evolution of Cenozoic volcanic rocks, the nature of the tectonic environment of volcanism, and the volcanic record of glacial history. In 1990, after conducting a survey of [[Mount Berlin]], he declared the volcano to be "potentially active." Later, in 1994, during field work around [[Mount Siple]], Dr. LeMasurier knocked off a piece of rock from the mountain and sent it to Ruth Siple, the widow of [[Paul A. Siple]], for whom the mountain was named.


Crabeaters have relatively slender bodies and long skulls and snouts compared to other phocids. Perhaps their most distinctive adaptation is the unique dentition that enables this species to sieve Antarctic [[krill]]. The postcanine teeth are finely divided with multiple cusps. Together with the tight fit of the upper and lower jaw, a bony protuberance near the back of the mouth completes a near-perfect sieve within which krill are trapped.
'''([[Wesley E. LeMasurier|Full Article...]])'''
 
'''([[crabeater seal|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 16:11, 17 October 2025

Wesley LeMasurier.png

Wesley E. LeMasurier is an igneous petrologist/volcanologist who specializes in the study of Cenozoic volcanoes in the Marie Byrd Land region of Antarctica. He was responsible for geological research around many of Westarctica's volcanic mountains. Mount LeMasurier was named in his honor.

Dr. LeMasurier's work includes studying the origin and evolution of Cenozoic volcanic rocks, the nature of the tectonic environment of volcanism, and the volcanic record of glacial history. In 1990, after conducting a survey of Mount Berlin, he declared the volcano to be "potentially active." Later, in 1994, during field work around Mount Siple, Dr. LeMasurier knocked off a piece of rock from the mountain and sent it to Ruth Siple, the widow of Paul A. Siple, for whom the mountain was named.

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