Pinnipeds — Reading Comprehension Lesson

Reading Passage

Pinnipeds

Pinnipeds are a group of marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses. The word pinniped comes from the Latin words meaning ‘fin-footed,’ referring to their four flippers. There are about 33 species of pinnipeds living in oceans around the world, with most found in colder polar and subpolar regions.

Although pinnipeds spend most of their time in the ocean hunting for fish, squid, and crustaceans, they must come ashore or onto ice to rest, breed, and give birth. They are excellent swimmers, using their powerful flippers to propel themselves through the water with remarkable speed and agility.

Seals and sea lions look similar, but there are key differences. Sea lions have small external ear flaps and can rotate their rear flippers forward to walk on land. True seals lack external ears and move on land by flopping on their bellies. Walruses are the largest pinnipeds and are easily identified by their long ivory tusks.

Pinnipeds are well adapted to cold environments. A thick layer of blubber beneath their skin insulates them from frigid water temperatures. Their streamlined bodies reduce drag in the water, and they can slow their heart rate during deep dives to conserve oxygen.

Many pinniped species are social animals that gather in large groups called colonies on beaches or ice floes during breeding season. Males, called bulls, often compete aggressively for territories and mates. Females give birth to one pup at a time and nurse them with fat-rich milk that helps pups gain weight quickly before they begin hunting on their own.

Printable Worksheet

More Science Worksheets

Explore our full library of science reading comprehension worksheets and lesson resources.