New Delhi: The animal kingdom is a treasure trove of diversity, and what makes it so intriguing is that most of the animals have many similarities, from looks to names to diet. There are marine animals, and we often find ourselves puzzled when encountering them. There are two such species, which can be confusing and lead to misidentification. Seal and Sea Lion have almost similar names; they might be familiar when you look at them. In this article, let us delve into the details and learn how to differentiate between these two fascinating creatures.
Difference between Seal and Sea Lion
Seals and sea lions, both pinnipeds, are captivating creatures with sleek, flipper-footed bodies. Although these marine mammals may initially appear similar, they are distinct families of animals, each with a unique set of characteristics waiting to be explored.
Physical appearances
Source: fisheries.noaa.gov
Seals are competitively smaller and more aquadynamic than sea lions.
Ears
The sides of their heads hold the key to distinguishing between seals and sea lions. Seals, also known as true seals or “earless” seals, are enchanting marine mammals in the phocid family. Like harbour seals, they possess ears and have excellent hearing, but their ears are not adorned with external flaps. True seals are easily recognisable by their petite ear holes, adding to their unique charm.
Sea lions and fur seals, unlike seals, have external ear flaps. These animals are in the otariid family and are sometimes called “eared” seals.
Flippers
Another way to distinguish between seal and seal lion is by observing their flippers and how they move.
True seals have smaller front flippers and can swim by moving their rear flippers side to side to propel themselves. While on land, they move by flopping along on their bellies, a caterpillar-like motion called ‘galumphing’. But seals can move fast if they wish to.
On the other hand, sea lions and fur seals have large front flippers, which require a lot of strength. These animals swim in the ocean using their front flippers like powerful oars. They can move quickly on land and also climb well. They bring all four flippers underneath their body and walk on them.
Sound
Vocalisations and behaviour differ in all species; similarly, seals and sea lions differ in this regard. Seals, or true seals, are quieter than sea lions. Seals communicate more through grunts, growls, and hisses. Elephant seals make loud noises.
Social life
Animals also have social lives like humans. However, most seal species are less social than sea lions. Seals often lead solitary lives and spend more time in the open ocean outside of breeding season.
Where can they be found?
Seals
These remarkable mammals can be found along most coasts and in cold waters, a testament to their adaptability and resilience. Most seals thrive in the Arctic and Antarctic waters, showcasing their ability to survive in some of the harshest environments on our planet.
Seal (Photo credit: Unsplash)
Sea Lions
On the other hand, sea lions prefer the rugged beauty of rocky shorelines, islands, and sandy beaches, primarily in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and select areas of the Indian Ocean.
Sea Lion (Photo credit: Unsplash)
Seals and Sea Lions are semi-aquatic animals. Their cousins are pinnipeds, which means “fin-footed” in Latin. They might look similar, but they are different in many ways. Let us explore appearance, vocalisation, and more. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
