Sea lions’ flippers have no hair or claws so that they can more easily grip the surface of rocks, and many of their mating areas are on rocky terrain. Kim Hulse, National Geographic Society Males measure about 20 feet long (6 meters), while females are about half as long. Seals were tagged as earless since they do not have ear flaps. Pinnipeds are further distributed into the Odobenidae family, which is the walrus; the Otariidae family, which includes eared seals, sea lions, and fur seals; and the Phocidae family, which is the earless seals. Seals and sea lions share adaptations for living in the sea—including blubber, flippers, and streamlined bodies. This is why scientists refer to species in the family Otariidae as eared seals. They are mammals, which means that they have live young, produce milk, have hair (or fur) on their bodies, and breathe air. Exactly how fast can seals and sea lions swim? Males are massive, weighing up to 8,500 lbs. Fur seals and sea lions are also known as eared seals. Despite the similarities of outward appearance, true seals and sea lions have some noticeable differences, due to convergent evolution. Seals and sea lions do have common characteristics, hence they are somewhat the same, but some characteristics are unique and you can distinguish between them easily. Usually there's only one subadult animal at a time hauled out on a sandy beach undergoing its annual molt. Video by NOAA Fisheries. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited. There are many places along Oregon's 363-mile coastline where you can see seals or sea lions in their natural setting and some can be seen in developed harbor areas as well. CodyCross is a famous newly released game which is developed by Fanatee. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. They are uniformly dark brown and vocalize with the notable sea lion "bark". They usually have a streamlined barrel shape and four flippers at the end of each limb. This causes differences between the two in locomotion when on land: seals move forward by caterpillar-like hitching movements; sea lions use their hind legs to walk or even gallop across land. These two amazing creatures are larger than grizzly bears and are some of the top marine predators. California sea lions are the "trained seal" of marine parks and circuses. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. True seals are also known as earless seals, or simply "seals". The ones that eat mostly fish specialize in oil-bearing species like eels, herrings, and anchovies because they swim in shoals and are easy to catch, and are good energy sources. It has many crosswords divided into different worlds and groups. You cannot download interactives. Taxonomy enables scientists to make sense of the millions of kinds of living things and see how they are related. In and around RNSP, there are two seal species to be found, the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirotris). Kristen Dell, National Geographic Society, Sheryl Hasegawa, National Geographic Society The smallest is the ringed seal, with an average length of 5 feet (1.5 m) and a weight of 110 to 150 lbs. Seals and sea lions are both mammals. Difference Between Seal and Sea Lion Classification. Seals are marine mammals called pinnipeds of the family of phocids, very adapted to aquatic life, although they can also live brief periods on land. The word 'pinniped' means 'fin foot', as the four legs of seals, sea-lions and walrus have developed into flippers to better suit their life in the water. (Possible answers: Seals do not have ear openings; sea lions do. These animals may be seen hauled out on off shore rocks, and occasionally on sandy beaches. Sustainability Policy |  Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) were once abundant and commonly seen at Point Lobos as recently as the 1950’s. In and around Redwood National and State Parks, the most commonly seen eared seal is the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). An adaptation is passed from generation to generation. Sea lions and seals live with dolphins and otters as sea lovers attracting people to beaches and aquariums. “Seals” is actually a generalized name for all pinnipeds. The group of marine mammals consisting of seals, sea lions, and walruses is known as the Pinnipeds, (from "pinna" meaning "feather" + "pes" meaning "foot" = "feather-footed"). Seals, on the other hand, have no external ear flap but instead have ear holes. How can sea lions and fur seals be told apart from these true seals? Crescent City, CA Steller sea lions have golden-colored fur with darker extremities, and instead of the "bark" of the California sea lion, Stellers vocalize by growling or "bellowing". Seals lack an external ear flap whereas sea lions have an external ear flap that is visible. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. (Hair, blubber, and flippers all keep animals warm in icy water.)3. Manner of Swimming. It is precisely these extremities that differentiate them from sea lions. 95531. Washington, DC 20036, National Geographic Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Sea lions use mainly forelimbs for swimming, and they appear to be flying underwater. But after a thorough inspection, you may know the difference between sea lion vs seal.However, the differences are not very notable, but a good comparison between sea lion vs seal will show you the apparent differences. Have students use the National Geographic Animals site to research what California sea lions eat, where they find food, and how they eat it. They are just to big, and what could a bit from a leopard seal really do to a sea lion which is covered in blubber and such a massive creature. Tell them they can confirm or revise their predictions as they watch a video.5. This activity targets the following skills: The resources are also available at the top of the page. So, unlike fur seals and sea lions, the true seals … Ask students to think of an example of two animals that look similar but belong to different families. Unlike other sea-lions, the species only breeds every 17-18 months, with Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island supporting the third largest colony of Australian Sea-lions with a population of around 1,000. Besides, when swimming, the seal mainly uses the hind flippers as thrusters; the sea lion swims with its front fins, with hind flippers acting as rudders. When comparing a sea lion vs. seal you can spot the difference a few ways, one of which is the lack or presence of an ear. Both types of seals, sea lions and walruses are all considered to be in the suborder Pinnipedia, which is usually translated as \"fin-footed\" or \"feather-footed.\" Pinnipeds (within the order Carnivora) consist of three families. Seals, on the other hand, build speed with their rear flippers and by moving their lower body side-to-side in a sculling motion. Have students identify differences.Have students find at least two features that differ in seals and sea lions. Most of the California sea lions in RNSP are adult and subadult males that migrate north after the breeding season in southern California. If you have ever seen an episode of Shark Week chances are you have seen the specials that showcase the great white sharks jumping off the coast of South Africa. They are animals that lack an auditory pinna or ears and with rear ends facing back, which serve to swim. 1145 17th Street NW The sea lion's hind flippers are stronger and more flexible. At first glance, they may look fairly similar. Jan 31, 2012 - Explore Nancy Reilly's board "Seals And Sea Lions ", followed by 587 people on Pinterest. Sea lions are also known as fur seals and seals with ears are known as true seals. Watch and discuss the video.Show students the video of leopard seals. (50 t… Seals are smaller than sea lions; male Stellar sea lions can grow to be up to 2,200 pounds. Pinnipeds are a widely distributed and diverse group of fin-footed semiaquatic marine mammals. Being at home is a great time to learn. They are both members of the order Pinnipedia, which means “feather footed.” Pinnipeds have a substantial system of nerves in their upper lips and use thick whiskers called vibrissae to find food. Steller Sea Lions. Dr. Mike Heithaus and others try to tranquillize a lion. As per the classification of Pinnipeds, there are two types of seals: fur seals and true seals. Seals do not have external ears. Fur seals are occasionally seen off the RNSP coastline farther out to sea, however, they do not come ashore here, and breed in the far northern Pacific. Steller males are massive, the largest of the eared seals, weighing in at 1,200 lbs (0.5 metric ton) or greater. Distribute the worksheet and have students identify similarities.Give each student a copy of the worksheet Seals and Sea Lions: Compare and Contrast. Have students compare the two drawings and list at least two features that seals and sea lions share. Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students. Find out Seals and sea lions Answers. The first difference between the seals and sea lions that we will discuss is the shape of their bodies and front fore flippers. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. Start learning with a free trial at https://skl.sh/tierzoo7Check out Mike's video here! When discussing the difference between the seal vs. sea lion we can find five main differences that have to do with their anatomy and character traits. Ask them how they would explain how to tell seals and sea lions apart to someone who has never seen either. All rights reserved. When seals and sea lions share our shores, we need to give them space, especially mothers with pups. This lists the logos of programs or partners of, National Geographic Animals: California Sea Lion, explain why scientists classify animals into different groups, identify the similarities and differences between seals and sea lions, describe how the similarities help the animals to swim in cold water, Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector, Speakers. There may be a small breeding colony of Stellers using near shore rocks in RNSP. Seals and sea lions are both mammals. Seals swim using the sculling movement of their hind flippers. Seals vs Sea Lions. Fur seals, actually in the sea lion group, having extremely long hind flippers. Next, there is a pretty … animal with hair that gives birth to live offspring. Sea lions and fur seals have external ears that protrude from their heads. Pinnipeds divide their time between near shore terrestrial habitats and the ocean. Telling the Difference Between a Seal vs Sea Lion Before where, you should understand who these creatures are that we're talking about. Then ask them to compare how each animal uses its flippers on land and in water. Females are much smaller. They are warm-blooded marine mammals that could live both in water and on land. Harbor seals are quite common and may be seen lounging on flat-topped near shore rocks, or hauled out sandy beaches, primarily around the Redwood Creek estuary. Seals, sea lions, and walruses are all in the order Carnivora and suborder Pinnipedia, thus they are called “pinnipeds.” Pinnipeds are mammals that are well-adapted for swimming. In seals, the hind flippers extend directly behind the body, and are not capable of rotation unlike the hind flippers of sea lions that are longer and may be rotated toward the front of the body. Seals and sea lions share adaptations for living in the sea—including blubber, flippers, and streamlined bodies. Females are much smaller, but still weigh more than a car at 2,000 lbs. When you reach out to him or her, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource. Christina Riska Simmons, Mary C. Cahill, Middle School Science Coordinator, The Potomac School, McLean, VA, Special thanks to the National Geographic Museum, adapted from National Geographic “Crittercam Educator Activities”. External Ear. Seals and sea lions are mostly fish-eaters, although most of the species also eat squid, mollusks, crustaceans, marine worms, sea birds, and other seals. Sea lions have visible small external ears. Code of Ethics. Introduce the concept of classification.Discuss why scientists classify animals into different groups. Looking at the photos of sea lions vs. fur seals, can you find any other ways to tell them apart? Seals and sea lions are actually called fin-footed animals or pinnipedia. What Are the Differences Between Seals and Sea Lions? The breakdown of these families looks something like this: The sea lion has a visual external pinnae that looks more like a tiny dog ear. The largest is the southern elephant seal. Have students make predictions.Explain to students that seals' rear flippers extend backward; sea lions' rear flippers extend forward. Seal is a member of the Phocidae family. Have students write a paragraph summarizing the information they find. Although they feed in the sea, they surface for air. For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. (3,855.5 kilograms). First, check for ears. As horrible as it is, but one really easy way to tell them apart comes to us courtesy of the Discovery Channel. Firstly, seals and sea lions have completely different ears. The Phocidae, or family group to which the true seals belong, are believed to have descended from a terrestrial weasel-like ancestor, while the Otariidae, or sea lion family group, are thought to have descended from a terrestrial bear-like ancestor. If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. Fur seals, actually in the sea lion group, having extremely long hind flippers. 1111 Second Street Taxonomic discussions tend to be a bit muddled as scientists strive to classify all the different species on the planet. Seals have shorter front flippers; sea lions have longer front flippers.) Gray seals clock in at about 14-23 mph. They are often seen bobbing in the surf, checking out the shoreline. Phocidae species can be called earless seals. The other resident eared seal is the Steller, or Northern, sea lion (Eumetopias jubata), a federally threatened species. Seals vs. Sea Lions. Female mammals produce milk to feed their offspring. This curated collection for learners in grades 3-5 can be implemented at home with minimal supplies and includes engaging, fun, and skill-building lessons in social studies, geography, science, and more. Program. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. This lists the logos of programs or partners of NG Education which have provided or contributed the content on this page. This causes differences between the two in locomotion when on land: seals move forward by caterpillar-like hitching movements; sea lions use their hind legs to walk or even gallop across land. If you can tell the sea lions apart, you’ve reached expert level in seal identification. When sea lions swim, they propel themselves through the water using their front flippers. 4. © 1996 - 2020 National Geographic Society. Seals and sea lions are members of the pinniped family and the Oregon Coast is home to Harbor Seals, Steller Sea Lions, California Sea Lions and Northern Elephant Seals, some of which can be seen year-round. Sea-lions can also be seen on the way out to Bremer Canyon, where Orcas area also prevelant. Seals and sea lions have many similarities, and are in the same family of Pinnipeds, but they lead very different lives. 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