Earless Seal vs. True Seal

Attribute	Earless Seal	True Seal
Family	Phocidae	Phocidae
External Ear Flaps	Absent	Absent
Front Flippers	Short and cannot be rotated forward	Long and can be rotated forward
Nostrils	Separated	Separated
Whiskers	Short and sparse	Long and abundant

Physical Characteristics

Earless seals, also known as phocids, are characterized by their lack of external ear flaps. They have small holes on the sides of their heads that serve as their ears. True seals, on the other hand, have no external ear structures at all. They rely on their keen sense of hearing underwater to navigate and communicate. Earless seals have streamlined bodies with short front flippers and long hind flippers, while true seals have more robust bodies with all four limbs modified into flippers.

Habitat

Earless seals are found in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as in temperate and tropical waters. They are known to haul out on land or ice to rest and give birth. True seals, on the other hand, are more commonly found in colder waters, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, where they spend most of their time in the water. They are less likely to come ashore and are better adapted to a fully aquatic lifestyle.

Behavior

Earless seals are known for their agility in the water, where they can swim at high speeds and dive to great depths in search of food. They are also capable of vocalizing underwater to communicate with each other. True seals, on the other hand, are more sluggish in the water but are excellent divers, capable of reaching depths of over 1,000 feet. They are known for their ability to hold their breath for extended periods of time while hunting for prey.

Diet

Earless seals primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans, depending on their location and availability of prey. 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, squid, crustaceans, and even small mammals. They are known to be voracious eaters, consuming large quantities of food to sustain their energy needs.

Reproduction

Earless seals give birth to a single pup each year, which they nurse for several weeks before weaning. The pups are born on land or ice and are able to swim shortly after birth. True seals, on the other hand, give birth to a single pup after a gestation period of several months. The pups are born in the water and are dependent on their mothers for milk and protection until they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Conservation Status

Both earless seals and true seals face threats from habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Many species of seals are protected under various conservation laws and treaties to ensure their survival. Earless seals, such as the harbor seal and elephant seal, are more abundant and have stable populations. True seals, such as the Weddell seal and leopard seal, are more vulnerable to changes in their environment and are considered at risk of extinction in the future.