Eared Seal vs. Earless Seal

Attribute	Eared Seal	Earless Seal
Presence of external ear flaps	Yes	No
Number of species	18	19
Scientific family	Otariidae	Phocidae
Preferred habitats	Coastal and rocky areas	Ice and water

Physical Characteristics

Eared seals, also known as otariids, have external ear flaps, giving them their name. These seals have long front flippers that they use to propel themselves through the water. They are also able to rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to move on land more easily. In contrast, earless seals, or phocids, do not have external ear flaps. Their front flippers are shorter and they are unable to rotate their hind flippers forward, making movement on land more cumbersome.

Habitat

Eared seals are typically found in temperate and subpolar regions, such as the coastlines of North America, South America, and Australia. They prefer rocky shorelines where they can haul out and bask in the sun. Earless seals, on the other hand, are more commonly found in colder, polar regions like Antarctica and the Arctic. They tend to inhabit pack ice and spend much of their time in the water hunting for food.

Diet

Eared seals are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled hunters and use their sharp teeth to catch their prey. Earless seals also have a diet that consists mainly of fish, but they are known to consume a wider variety of prey, including krill and other invertebrates. They use their strong jaws to crush the shells of their prey before consuming them.

Behavior

Eared seals are known for their social behavior and can often be found in large colonies, especially during the breeding season. They are also more vocal than earless seals, using a variety of calls to communicate with each other. Earless seals, on the other hand, are more solitary animals and tend to be less vocal. They communicate through body language and vocalizations, but to a lesser extent than eared seals.

Reproduction

Eared seals give birth on land and nurse their pups for several months before they are weaned. They have a polygynous mating system, where males compete for access to females during the breeding season. Earless seals, on the other hand, give birth on ice or in the water and nurse their pups for a shorter period of time. They have a more monogamous mating system, with males forming pair bonds with females.

Conservation Status

Both eared seals and earless seals face threats from human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Some species of eared seals, like the Steller sea lion, are listed as endangered due to declining populations. Earless seals, such as the Weddell seal, are also facing challenges from climate change and loss of sea ice. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.