description Acrophoca longirostris Overview
Acrophoca longirostris is an extinct species of monachine seal known from Miocene-age fossils of the Pisco Formation of Peru. Its skull is unusually elongated relative to other fossil and living seals, suggesting specialized feeding adaptations. The Pisco Formation is a Lagerstätte preserving exceptionally complete marine vertebrate fossils, including other seals, whales, and aquatic sloths.
help Acrophoca longirostris FAQ
What was Acrophoca longirostris?
Acrophoca longirostris was an extinct monachine seal from the Miocene epoch. It is also known as the swan-necked seal because its skull and neck region are unusually elongated compared with many other seals.
Where were fossils of Acrophoca longirostris found?
The species is known from the Pisco Formation of Peru, a fossil-rich marine deposit. Related reports also place Acrophoca material in the Bahía Inglesa Formation of Chile.
Why is the skull of Acrophoca longirostris unusual?
Its skull is unusually long and narrow relative to those of many living seals. That shape has been interpreted as evidence of specialized feeding, although the exact diet remains a paleontological question.
Was Acrophoca longirostris related to modern monk seals?
It was a monachine seal, the group that includes modern monk seals and other southern true seals. That relationship places it closer to monk seals than to sea lions, which belong to a different pinniped family.
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