User:Nazarioe11/sandbox

Diving Behavior of the Saimaa Ringed Seal
Diving is an important behavior for marine mammals as it is something they rely on for behaviors such as foraging and travelling. The duration of their dives increases from spring to autumn, which may be a result of food availability, but is interesting because they are one of the few land locked seal species. Many studies have been done to observe saimaa ringed seal diving, and has been discovered to last longer than expected. Their average time for a long dive was recorded to last for 15 min and was believed to be an aerobic resting dive.

The average dive depth ranged from 10 to 15 m, however, their maximum dive depths were limited by environmental depth. The saimaa ringed seal has also been observed to have seasonal hauling-out patterns. In May and June, when the seals are molting, they are observed to haul out both day and night, however, in late summer they are only observed to haul out at night.

The saimaa ringed seal is able to complete their dives and navigate in their environment due to their highly developed vibrissae, also known as whiskers. Using their vibrissae they are able to detect sound and pressure waves in their otherwise dark environment.

Editing my article
I will add a behavior section and specifically update the diving behavior because many studies have been done about this specific seals dives. I found this interesting and want to incorporate it when adding my improvements to the species page. I also believe behavior that has to do with foraging is one of the most interesting and important to species of marine mammals.