Eared Seals vs. Earless Seals

Attribute	Eared Seals	Earless Seals
Presence of external ear flaps	Yes	No
Number of species	18	19
Family	Otariidae	Phocidae
Swimming ability	More agile	Less agile
Preferred habitats	Coastal areas	Open ocean

Physical Characteristics

Eared seals, also known as otariids, have external ear flaps that distinguish them from earless seals, or phocids. These external ear flaps give eared seals better hearing abilities both in water and on land. In contrast, earless seals lack external ear flaps, which gives them a sleeker appearance. Eared seals also have longer front flippers compared to their hind flippers, while earless seals have flippers that are more similar in size.

Habitat

Eared seals are typically found in temperate and subpolar regions, such as the coastlines of North America, South America, and Australia. They are known to breed on land but spend a significant amount of time in the water hunting for food. Earless seals, on the other hand, are more commonly found in colder, polar regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic. They are well-adapted to living in icy waters and often rely on sea ice for breeding and resting.

Behavior

Eared seals are known for their agility on land and in the water. They are capable of rotating their hind flippers forward, allowing them to move quickly on land. Eared seals are also more social animals, often forming large colonies during the breeding season. Earless seals, on the other hand, are more solitary creatures and tend to spend more time alone or in small groups. They are well-suited for diving deep underwater in search of prey.

Diet

Eared seals have a varied diet that includes fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled hunters and can dive to great depths in search of food. Earless seals primarily feed on fish and crustaceans, but they are also known to consume other marine animals such as squid and octopus. Earless seals have specialized teeth that are adapted for catching and consuming their prey underwater.

Reproduction

Eared seals typically give birth on land, where they form breeding colonies during the mating season. Female eared seals nurse their pups with milk, which is rich in fat and nutrients. Eared seal pups are born with a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm in cold waters. Earless seals, on the other hand, give birth on sea ice or in the water. They have a shorter lactation period compared to eared seals, as their milk is higher in fat content to help their pups grow quickly in harsh conditions.

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, such as 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 shrinking sea ice. Conservation efforts are underway to protect both eared seals and earless seals and ensure their survival in the wild.