Gannetwhale

With whales extinct and seals decimated other animals have started to occupy the newly available niches. One new species that has done this is the Gannetwhale. From a distance they resemble a large seal, about 14 feet long, bulky but surprisingly fast and agile swimmers.

Classification
S - Morus mergulubalaena

G - Morus

F - Sulidae

O - Suliformes

C - Aves

P - Chordata

K - Animalia

Behavior
These flightless birds, as long as a bus, have replaced whales and seals.

They have feet like an Emperor penguin and their densely packed feathers form a close, overlapping coat, insulating and waterproof. Gannetwhales use their front flippers (adapted wings) to swim well at up to 20 mph, but they are in danger on the beach.

They secrete excess salt from glands over their eyes; so they can live in salt water. Their nostrils close so that sea water is kept out.

Feeding
Their strong sharp beak is used for catching fish. They use their eyes and ears to detect predators and eat them.

Breeding
Females beach to lay their eggs, where they are vulnerable. They protect their egg between their back flippers; can vomit to over threatening snowstalkers to drive them away.

When the eggs are hatched, they return to the sea.