# CAREER: Investigating Fitness Trade-offs In A Southern Ocean Predator, The Leopard Seal

> **NSF 0100CYXXDB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Rhode Island (RI) · $848,602

## Abstract

Part 1: Non-technical summary 

Trait differences between males and females are widespread across the animal kingdom. Because these traits often lead to trade-offs that affect reproductive success and survival, understanding them is a fundamental question in biology. Leopard seals are large predators in the Southern Ocean and an extreme example of female-biased dimorphism in mammals, where females are the larger than males. Yet, the effects of these size differences are unknown. This project will investigate the causes and consequences of female-biased dimorphism in leopard seals and will generate new data on the life history, reproductive physiology, and breeding biology of this important and enigmatic polar predator. This information is critical for understanding leopard seals' past, present, and future—from how the species evolved to predicting their resilience in an era of unprecedented environmental change. The project also has a strong education component. It aims to increase the participation of people from historically excluded groups in polar biology by training, mentoring, and supporting two postdocs, two grad students, and 25+ undergraduates. It will also engage students and the public in scientific research through outreach activities at local, national, and international scales.

Part 2: Technical summary

Trait differences can lead to important trade-offs that affect biological processes at multiple scales, from intraspecific differences in fitness to spe

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2535768
- **Awardee organization:** University of Rhode Island (RI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** CJDNG9D14MW7
- **PI:** Sarah E Kienle
- **Primary program:** 0100CYXXDB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, LIA-Life in Antarctica, USGCRP, WOMEN, MINORITY, DISABLED, NEC, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $848,602
- **Funds obligated:** $848,602
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 02/28/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2535768

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2535768, CAREER: Investigating Fitness Trade-offs In A Southern Ocean Predator, The Leopard Seal. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2535768. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*