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[[File:Crabeater Pléneau Bay.jpg|250px|left]]
[[File:Quin Blackburn.jpg|250px|left]]
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.
'''Quin A. Blackburn''' was a geologist on the First and Second Byrd Expeditions and leader of the geologic party that explored the [[Transantarctic Mountains]]. During the first expedition, Blackburn and 41 other explorers were forced to winter over in the Little America base due to their ship being stuck in the pack ice. Undoubtedly, Quin Blackburn's most lasting contribution to [[Antarctic]] exploration was as the leader of the Second Byrd Expedition's Geologic Party (1933-1935). During this expedition, he led a three-man team on a 1,500 mile trek across [[Marie Byrd Land]], investigating the geology of the [[Queen Maud Mountains]] while also sledging the length of the [[Scott Glacier]] onto the Polar Plateau.


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]].
His prowess as an explorer was evident by the fact that his team returned from their long polar traverse having gained weight. Blackburn copied [[Robert Falcon Scott]]'s system of traveling with and consuming a large team of dogs to ensure a steady supply of protein, fat, and Vitamin C during the expedition.


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.
'''([[Quinn Blackburn|Full Article...]])'''
 
'''([[crabeater seal|Full Article...]])'''

Revision as of 02:51, 4 December 2022

Quin Blackburn.jpg

Quin A. Blackburn was a geologist on the First and Second Byrd Expeditions and leader of the geologic party that explored the Transantarctic Mountains. During the first expedition, Blackburn and 41 other explorers were forced to winter over in the Little America base due to their ship being stuck in the pack ice. Undoubtedly, Quin Blackburn's most lasting contribution to Antarctic exploration was as the leader of the Second Byrd Expedition's Geologic Party (1933-1935). During this expedition, he led a three-man team on a 1,500 mile trek across Marie Byrd Land, investigating the geology of the Queen Maud Mountains while also sledging the length of the Scott Glacier onto the Polar Plateau.

His prowess as an explorer was evident by the fact that his team returned from their long polar traverse having gained weight. Blackburn copied Robert Falcon Scott's system of traveling with and consuming a large team of dogs to ensure a steady supply of protein, fat, and Vitamin C during the expedition.

(Full Article...)

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