1. Eared seals, also known as Otariidae, are characterized by:
- visible ear flaps
- the ability to walk on land using all fours
- strong forelimbs for swimming
2. Examples of eared seals include:
- Fur seal
- Sea lion
Earless Seals:
3. Earless seals, or Phocidae, are characterized by:
- lack of external ear flaps
- streamlined bodies for efficient swimming
- the use of flippers instead of legs for locomotion on land
4. Examples of earless seals include:
- Harp seal
- Grey seal
- Harbor seal
Elephant Seal:
5. Elephant seals, or Mirounga, are a type of earless seals known for their:
- large size, with males reaching up to 20 feet long
- prominent snout that resembles an elephant's trunk in males
- long migratory patterns during breeding seasons
Leopard Seals:
6. Leopard seals, or Hydrurga, are earless seals known for their:
- distinctive leopard-like spots on their fur
- fierce predatory nature, feeding primarily on penguins, seals, and fish
- habitat in the Antarctic and subantarctic regions