Why are Harp Seals called seals?

Harp seals are called seals because they are members of the seal family, which is scientifically classified as Phocidae.

The term "seal" is a broad term used to describe all marine mammals that belong to the order Pinnipedia. This order includes three families:

* Phocidae (true seals, like the harp seal)

* Otariidae (eared seals, like sea lions and fur seals)

* Odobenidae (walruses)

So, while harp seals are part of the true seal family, they are also part of the broader group of animals known as seals.