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Evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 53(5)

Morphology and distribution of sweat glands in the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus (Carnivora : Otariidae)

L. S. Rotherham A C , M. van der Merwe A , M. N. Bester A and W. H. Oosthuizen B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.

B Marine and Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay 8012, South Africa.

C Corresponding author. Email: lsrotherham@zoology.up.ac.za

Australian Journal of Zoology 53(5) 295-300 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO04075
Submitted: 28 October 2004  Accepted: 31 August 2005   Published: 11 November 2005

Abstract

The present study examined whether sweat glands are present in the skin of the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus. Sweat glands have an important role in thermoregulation; the presence or absence of sweat glands in the fur-covered and naked skin areas of the Cape fur seal was investigated using standard histological procedures and light and scanning electron microscopy. Sweat glands were present in both fur-covered and naked skin areas. The skin layers in the naked skin areas were thicker than those in the fur-covered areas, presumably to protect them against abrasions in the absence of hair. The density of apocrine sweat glands did not differ among the body regions; however, both apocrine and eccrine sweat glands were larger in naked skin areas than in fur-covered areas. This increased size of the glands suggests a more active role for the glands in the naked skin areas, and a higher heat-loss capability through evaporative cooling in these body regions.


Acknowledgments

Thank you to Penda Matuka, who assisted in processing the material, and Mr Alan Hall and Mr Chris van der Merwe for their assistance with the micrographs from the light and scanning electron microscopes. Dr C. T. Chimimba assisted with the statistical analysis of the data.


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