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- Though their bodies can appear chubby, seals are generally smaller and more aquadynamic than sea lions. At the same time, their hind flippers angle backward and don't rotate. This makes them fast in the water but basic belly crawlers on terra firma.
oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seal-sealion.html
Nov 28, 2023 · One of the most obvious ways to distinguish seals from sea lions is by looking at the sides of their head. Sometimes referred to as true seals or “earless” seals, marine mammals in the phocid family, such as harbor seals, have ears and hear very well, but do not have external ear flaps.
Sea lions (and fur seals) are distinguished from true seals by their comparably large front flippers, visible ear flaps, and ability to curl their back flippers under their body to walk on all fours. Sea lions are vocal, expressing themselves in loud barks.
Aug 12, 2024 · Sea lions, such as the California sea lion and Steller sea lion, belong to a group of pinnipeds that have external ear flaps—giving them the nickname “eared seals.” This group also includes fur seals like the threatened Guadalupe fur seal.
Seals are part of the Phocidae family, also known as “true seals” or “earless seals”. On the other hand, sea lions belong to the Otariidae family, which includes “eared seals” and “fur seals”. These classifications hint at some of the key differences we’ll explore further.
How to tell the difference between grey and common seals. On land, true seals wriggle around on their bellies, while eared seals are able to fold their rear flippers and use them almost like legs. Sea lion Getty images. The biggest and smallest pinnipeds are both true seals.
Oct 26, 2023 · Seals and sea lions both belong to a group of marine mammals called “pinnipeds”, meaning fin- or feather-footed in Latin. True seals have ear holes, but no ear flaps. Included in this group are species like the Harbour seal, Hawaiian Monk seal, Ringed seal and Harp seal.
Oct 16, 2024 · Sea lions often gather along a coastline or beach in large herds (with sometimes up to 1500 fellow sea lions), while seals are more like loners, mostly opting to stay in the water or...
