Things Vera and other human/homo phocidae hybrids have in common with other pinnipeds:
-thick skin and a circulatory system adapted to direct blood away from the surface of the body in cold environments
-lungs reinforced with strong cartilage and smooth muscle, and the ability to reinflate them after complete respiratory collapse due to production of a pulmonary surfactant that prevents collapsed alveoli from sticking together
-sealable nostrils, enlarged irises and pupils, and a clear protective membrane that covers the eye when underwater
- heavy, compact bones, vestigial webbing between digits, and a streamlined, dolichocephalic head.
All of these things contribute to hybrids’ slightly elevated ability to dive a little deeper and stay under a little longer than their completely human counterparts, but clearly the most important shared characteristic is:
-butt spots
