Eared Seals vs. True Seals

Attribute	Eared Seals	True Seals
Presence of external ear flaps	Yes	No
Number of species	14	19
Preferred habitats	Coastal waters	Open ocean
Swimming ability	More agile	Less agile
Feeding behavior	Primarily fish	Varied diet

Eared seals and true seals are two distinct groups of marine mammals that belong to the pinniped family. While they share some similarities, such as their aquatic lifestyle and blubbery bodies, there are also several key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the attributes of eared seals and true seals in terms of their physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, and diet.

Physical Characteristics

One of the most noticeable differences between eared seals and true seals is the presence of external ear flaps, or "ears," on eared seals. These ear flaps are absent in true seals, hence the name "earless seals." Eared seals, such as sea lions and fur seals, also have long front flippers that they use for propulsion when swimming. In contrast, true seals, like harbor seals and elephant seals, have shorter, more paddle-like front flippers that they use to steer through the water.

Behavior

Eared seals are known for their agility on land, thanks to their ability to rotate their hind flippers forward and walk on all fours. This makes them more mobile on land compared to true seals, which move by wriggling their bodies in a caterpillar-like motion. 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, only coming together in small groups for mating purposes.

Habitat

Both eared seals and true seals are found in cold, temperate, and subpolar waters around the world. However, they tend to inhabit different types of environments within these regions. Eared seals are typically found in coastal areas, where they can haul out onto rocky shores or sandy beaches to rest and breed. True seals, on the other hand, prefer more remote and inaccessible locations, such as ice floes and remote islands, where they are less likely to encounter predators.

Diet

When it comes to diet, eared seals and true seals have slightly different preferences. Eared seals are more opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of fish, squid, and crustaceans depending on what is available in their environment. They are also known to hunt in groups, using their cooperative hunting strategies to catch larger prey. True seals, on the other hand, tend to feed on a diet consisting mainly of fish and cephalopods, such as squid and octopus. They are solitary hunters, relying on their stealth and agility to catch their prey.

Reproduction

Reproductive strategies also differ between eared seals and true seals. Eared seals typically give birth on land, where they form breeding colonies during the mating season. Female eared seals nurse their pups for several months before weaning them and teaching them how to swim and hunt. True seals, on the other hand, give birth in the water and nurse their pups with a high-fat milk that helps them develop blubber for insulation. True seal pups are usually weaned after a few weeks and are left to fend for themselves shortly after.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eared seals and true seals may belong to the same family of marine mammals, but they exhibit distinct differences in their physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, diet, and reproductive strategies. Eared seals, with their external ear flaps and more social nature, are well-adapted to coastal environments and group living. True seals, with their lack of external ears and solitary habits, are better suited to remote and icy habitats where they can avoid predators and hunt alone. Both types of seals play important roles in their respective ecosystems and are fascinating creatures to study and observe in the wild.