Engineers and biologists join forces to reveal how seals evolved to swim
Researchers have discovered how seals and sea lions evolved to swim. The findings could have potential implications for improving the design of man-made machines such as underwater drones and submersibles. Using cutting-edge engineering and animal behaviour, scientists have explained the origins of efficient swimming in the animals. Seals and sea lions are fast-swimming ocean predators that use their flippers to “fly” through the water. But not all seals are the same – some use their front flippers to swim, while others propel themselves with their back feet. Fur seals and sea lions hav...