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Nov 28, 2023 · Unlike true seals, sea lions and fur seals have external ear flaps; these animals are in the otariid family and are sometimes called “eared” seals. (Fun fact: Despite having the word “seal” in their name, fur seals are more closely related to sea lions than true seals!)
An eared seal, otariid, or otary is any member of the marine mammal family Otariidae, one of three groupings of pinnipeds. They comprise 15 extant species in seven genera (another species became extinct in the 1950s) and are commonly known either as sea lions or fur seals, distinct from true seals (phocids) and the walrus (odobenids).
Sea lions and fur seals have external ears that protrude from their heads. Seals, on the other hand, have no external ear flap but instead have ear holes. This is why scientists refer to species in the family Otariidae as eared seals.
- Cydney Grannan
Jun 16, 2024 · Seals and sea lions are marine mammals called 'pinnipeds' that differ in physical characteristics and adaptations. Sea lions (left) are brown, bark loudly, "walk" on land using their large flippers and have visible ear flaps.
Oct 26, 2023 · Sea lions, on the other hand, have external ear flaps and are grouped with the eared-seals. These flaps turn downward so that water doesn’t get into the animal’s ears. The eared-seal family includes 6 species of sea lions and 10 species of fur seals.
Sea lions are related to walruses and seals. Together with the fur seals, they constitute the family Otariidae, collectively known as eared seals. Until recently, sea lions were grouped under a single subfamily called Otariinae, whereas fur seals were grouped in the subfamily Arcocephalinae.
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Do sea lions have ears?
Is a sea lion a seal?
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How do you tell a seal from a sea lion?
Are sea lions pinnipeds?
Are sea lions related to walruses?
Seals and sea lions are very similar marine carnivores, with a few handy differences. If you can get over the common naming fiasco for the eared seals, it’s as simple as checking for external flaps on the side of the head, but there are also other handy differences to know about.
