PhD Student Kaitlin Macdonald and Prof. Jay Rotella discuss Kaitlin's recent paper.
What effects do Weddell seal SuperMoms have on the overall Erebus Bay, Antarctica Weddell seal population growth rate? Lead author MSU PhD Student Kaitlin Macdonald and Prof. Jay Rotella talk about Kaitlin's surprising research findings recently published in a new paper in The Journal of Animal Ecology, and wonder about what Weddell seal population genetics can illuminate about the longterm effects of Weddell seal SuperMoms on the population's growth rate going forward.
Parker Levinson's photo of the oldest Weddell mom at 33 years with her 21st pup of a very long lifetime.
SuperMoms are unusual old Weddell seal moms, some over 30 years old, that produce many pups over their long lifetimes. The video includes Weddell seal imaging from numerous members of the Weddell seal population project over the years, as well as unique underwater footage courtesy Henry Kaiser. The Weddell seal population project is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), through a grant managed by Montana State University (MSU). The views and comments in this video do not necessarily reflect those of either NSF or MSU. More info on the Weddell Seal population project is available on our website, WeddellSealScience.com. We hope you enjoy the video!
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