POP QUIZ: How did the Monk Seal Find its Name?

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Over the years, there has been much confusion over the origins of the monk seal’s name, as well as many imaginative explanations. Here are a few to be going on with. Can you identify the correct answer? If you think you can, please post your answer below. We’ll be posting our reply about a week from now.

How did the Monk Seal Find its Name?

(1) Because the black seal with the white belly patch was reminiscent of the robes of a monastic community.

(2) Because the monk seal is shy and retiring, living a “monastic” lifestyle.

(3) Because of the folds of fat around the neck of the seal were reminiscent of a monk’s hood or scapular.

(4) Because the rows of seals stretched out lazily on the sands reminded Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder of a procession of hooded monks.

(5) None of the above.

To answer these and other historical puzzles on the Mediterranean monk seal, you may wish to read our illustrated two-volume “Monk Seal Histories”, available here in PDF format.

3 Replies to “POP QUIZ: How did the Monk Seal Find its Name?”

  1. 2 and 3. At least that’s what I’ve read. If I have to choose one answer I would say 2, the seal’s solitary, “monk”-like behavior.

  2. What I’ve heard is 2 and 3. Both seem possible but I’ve always wondered if Monks seals solitary life has something to do with the low population count.I’m looking forward to the answer.

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