TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN FREELY DIVING HARP SEALS (PHOCA-GROENLANDICA)

Measurements were made of the relation between body temperature, respiration, diving pattern and water temperature using 3 adult harp seals (P. groenlandica). Core temperature, ventilation, gas exchange and diving pattern were not affected by water temperature ranging from 1.8-28.2.degree. C. The BMR of the seals was not significantly different than that predicted for terrestrial mammals of equivalent size. Expired heat loss and convective heat loss from the body accounted for 16% of the heat loss and were independent of water temperature. The remaining 84% of the heat was lost from the flippers which accounted for < 14% of the surface area. Calculations of the ratio of convective heat transfer coefficients of the blubber layer indicate that internal conduction rather than external convection governed heat loss.