Age determination, reproduction, growth and population analysis of the harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardi gray ...
Studies have been made on age determination, reproduction, growth and population structure in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina richardi). They are based upon gross and histological examinations of reproductive tracts, growth measurements, and associated canine teeth of 42 prenatal and 319 postnatal...
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| Format: | Text |
| Language: | English |
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University of British Columbia
2011
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| Online Access: | https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0104399 https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0104399 |
| Summary: | Studies have been made on age determination, reproduction, growth and population structure in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina richardi). They are based upon gross and histological examinations of reproductive tracts, growth measurements, and associated canine teeth of 42 prenatal and 319 postnatal specimens collected between 1964 and 1965. In postnatal seals cementum annulations were used as the criterion of age. Two annulations are deposited annually, a translucent "dense, inorganic" band during the winter and spring and an opaque "less dense, more organic" band during the summer and fall. Their formation may result from an internal rhythm. In southeastern Vancouver Island (southern British Columbia) parturition occurs primarily during July, lactation then lasts 6 weeks with ovulation shortly thereafter in September. Implantation is delayed for 2 to 2½ months and birth is about 230 days later. The male's main breeding season begins at least 4 months in advance of the female's but ends shortly after. ... |
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