Eared Seal vs. True Seal

Attribute	Eared Seal	True Seal
Habitat	Coastal waters	Polar regions
Ear shape	External ear flaps	No external ear flaps
Front flippers	Used for steering	Used for propulsion
Diet	Primarily fish	Varied diet including fish, squid, and crustaceans

Physical Characteristics

Eared seals, also known as otariids, have external ear flaps, which is a distinguishing feature that sets them apart from true seals, also known as phocids. These external ear flaps give eared seals better hearing abilities both in water and on land. True seals, on the other hand, lack external ear flaps and have small holes on the sides of their heads for hearing. Eared seals also have longer front flippers compared to true seals, which allows them to move more efficiently on land.

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 coastlines and islands where they can haul out and breed. True seals, on the other hand, are more commonly found in colder, polar regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic. They tend to inhabit pack ice and ice floes, where they can easily access their prey in the water.

Behavior

Eared seals are known for their agility and speed in the water. They are excellent swimmers and can dive to great depths in search of food. Eared seals are also more social animals, often forming large colonies during the breeding season. True seals, on the other hand, are more solitary creatures and are not as agile in the water. They rely on stealth and patience to catch their prey, often waiting for hours at a time for the perfect moment to strike.

Diet

Eared seals primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever is abundant in their environment. True seals, on the other hand, have a more varied diet that includes fish, crustaceans, and even other seals. They are known to be more specialized hunters, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey in the water.

Reproduction

Eared seals give birth on land and nurse their pups for several months before they are weaned. They have a shorter gestation period compared to true seals, typically around 9-12 months. True seals, on the other hand, give birth on land or ice and nurse their pups for a longer period of time, sometimes up to a year. They have a longer gestation period, usually around 10-11 months.

Conservation Status

Both eared seals and true seals face threats from human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Some species of eared seals, such as the Steller sea lion, are listed as endangered due to declining populations. True seals, such as the Hawaiian monk seal, are also facing threats to their survival. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these marine mammals and their habitats.