Eared Seal Size vs. True Seal Size

Attribute	Eared Seal Size	True Seal Size
Ear presence	Have external ear flaps	Do not have external ear flaps
Size range	Varies from small to large	Varies from small to large
Weight range	Varies depending on species	Varies depending on species
Number of species	6 species	19 species

Introduction

Seals are fascinating marine mammals that are divided into two main groups: eared seals and true seals. While they may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences between the two groups, including their size. In this article, we will explore the attributes of eared seal size and true seal size, highlighting the unique characteristics of each group.

Eared Seal Size

Eared seals, also known as otariids, are characterized by their external ear flaps and ability to rotate their hind flippers forward for walking on land. One of the most notable eared seals is the California sea lion, which is known for its playful behavior and impressive size. Adult male California sea lions can reach lengths of up to 8 feet and weigh as much as 850 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, typically reaching lengths of 6 feet and weighing around 220 pounds.

Another well-known eared seal is the fur seal, which includes species like the South American fur seal and the New Zealand fur seal. These seals are slightly smaller than California sea lions, with adult males reaching lengths of around 6 feet and weighing up to 200 pounds. Females are even smaller, typically reaching lengths of 4-5 feet and weighing around 100 pounds.

Eared seals are known for their agility in the water, with streamlined bodies and powerful flippers that allow them to swim at high speeds. Their size and strength make them formidable predators, capable of hunting a variety of fish and squid. While eared seals are impressive in size, they are still smaller than their true seal counterparts.

True Seal Size

True seals, also known as phocids, lack external ear flaps and have limited mobility on land due to their inability to rotate their hind flippers forward. One of the most well-known true seals is the harbor seal, which is found in coastal waters around the world. Adult harbor seals can reach lengths of up to 6 feet and weigh as much as 300 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, typically reaching lengths of 5 feet and weighing around 200 pounds.

Another common true seal is the elephant seal, which includes species like the northern elephant seal and the southern elephant seal. These seals are much larger than harbor seals, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 16 feet and weighing as much as 6,000 pounds. Females are smaller, typically reaching lengths of 10 feet and weighing around 1,500 pounds.

True seals are known for their ability to dive to great depths in search of food, with some species capable of reaching depths of over 1,000 feet. Their size and blubber layer help them stay warm in cold waters, making them well-adapted to their marine environment. While true seals may not be as agile on land as eared seals, their size and strength make them formidable predators in the water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eared seals and true seals differ in size, with eared seals generally being smaller than true seals. Eared seals like California sea lions and fur seals are known for their agility and impressive size, while true seals like harbor seals and elephant seals are known for their diving abilities and large size. Both groups of seals play important roles in marine ecosystems and are fascinating animals to study and observe in the wild.