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- Notably, there are no sea lions in the northern Atlantic Ocean—so if you spot a pinniped on a Maryland or other mid-Atlantic beach, it's a seal, not a sea lion.
aqua.org/stories/2024-10-22-mistaken-identities-seals-vs-sea-lionsNational Aquarium - Mistaken Identities: Seals vs. Sea Lions
Sea lions are known for their loud, distinctive barks. They are social creatures, often found in large groups on land and in the water. Seals, on the other hand, are more solitary. Their vocalizations are softer, consisting of grunts and moans, and they are often seen alone or in small groups.
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.
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.
Sep 27, 2024 · Basically, fur seals and sea lions are distinguished from true seals by body shape and social behavior. But fur seals are further distinguished from sea lions by the presence of a thick layer of fur (not just hairless blubber) to protect them from the cold water.
Here are some of the main differences between a sea lion and a seal: Appearance: Sea lions have large flippers and small flaps for their outer ears. Seals have much smaller flippers and no external ear flaps/external ears at all. Sea lions can walk on land, using their large flippers, whereas seals wiggle on their belly to move on land.