Caribbean Monk Seal

Credit: Peter Schouten
May 14, 2014
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Caribbean Monk Seal
Credit: Peter Schouten

Through DNA analysis and skull comparisons, Smithsonian scientists have clarified the Caribbean monk seal’s place on the seal family tree and in doing so, created a completely new genus. This is the first time in more than 140 years that a new genus has been recognized among modern pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses). Photo credit: Peter Schouten