Ecological implications of body composition and thermal capabilities in young antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella).

In comparison with other homeotherms, young recently weaned marine mammals in high latitudes face exceptional energetic demands when foraging and thermoregulating. Lipids are an important source of energy and a major component of insulation that allows them to meet these demands. To examine the role of lipid stores in a high-latitude pinniped, we measured the body composition and thermoregulatory capabilities of Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) pups and yearlings by using flow-through respirometry and hydrogen isotope dilution.