Walruses:
* Primarily bottom-feeders: They use their powerful tusks to dig up clams, mussels, snails, and other invertebrates from the seafloor.
* Opportunistic eaters: They also consume fish, crabs, and even seabirds occasionally.
Seals:
* Diet varies by species:
* Harbor seals: Eat a variety of fish, squid, and crustaceans.
* Grey seals: Primarily fish, but also eat squid and some crustaceans.
* Harp seals: Primarily eat cod, herring, and other fish.
* Leopard seals: Are apex predators, feeding on penguins, fish, and other seals.
* Crabeater seals: Specialize in krill, but also eat fish and squid.
* Some seals are fish-eaters, while others are more diverse in their diet.
Key differences:
* Tusks: Walruses use their tusks to dig up food, which seals lack.
* Feeding methods: Walruses are mainly bottom-feeders, while seals have diverse hunting strategies, from ambush to chasing prey.
* Dietary variety: While walruses have a more limited diet, seals have a wider range of food sources depending on their species and location.
Overall:
Both walruses and seals are marine mammals that are well-adapted for their specific diets. Walruses use their tusks to extract food from the seafloor, while seals have evolved different hunting strategies to catch their prey in the water.