How Do Seals Breathe Through Holes in the Ice?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do seals breathe through holes in the ice?

The Big Idea

Seals breathe through holes in the ice that they keep open themselves! They are mammals, so they must come up for air. These holes are their doorways to the air. Seals are hardworking little engineers!

Must Breathe

Step one: seals need air. Seals are mammals, so they breathe air just like you. When the sea freezes over, they still must come up to breathe. But the ice is thick, so how?

Scratch and Scrape

Step two: keep a hole open. Ringed seals use sharp claws on their front flippers to scratch and keep breathing holes open in thick ice. Weddell seals also use their teeth.

Hidden Doorways

Step three: a hidden doorway. These holes are small and often hidden under snow. They are the seal's doorways to the air, and a seal must find them again after every dive.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A seal swims under the thick ice. It scratches the ice with strong claws. That keeps a small hole open. Then it pops up for a big breath of fresh air.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A seal can keep several breathing holes open across a wide area. Weddell seals can stay under the ice for much longer than people can. Holes help seals get back to the surface from far away. Never go onto ice alone. Stay with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Hold your breath for a few easy seconds and time it, but never strain. A Weddell seal can stay under for much longer. That is why a breathing hole matters! Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Seals keep their own breathing holes open in the ice. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!