Lifespan
The Weddell seal has a shorter lifespan than most other pinnipeds. On average, the Weddell seal lives for 20 years, compared to an average life expectancy of 40 years for most other seals. This is because the Weddell seals lives are spent under the fast ice in Antarctica, which is sea ice that is attached to the shore or in between two icebergs. In order to make breathing holes during the winter months, the Weddell seal scraps at natural breaks in areas where the ice is thin with its front teeth and incisors.Smithsonian This has the effect of wearing down its teeth over time. Once a Weddell seal's teeth have worn down to a certain level, the seal is unable to eat and eventually starves to death.
Read more about this topic: Weddell Seal