Are seals and sea lions the same thing?

Fur seals and sea lions are also known as eared seals. In and around Redwood National and State Parks, the most commonly seen eared seal is the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). These animals may be seen hauled out on off shore rocks, and occasionally on sandy beaches. read more

The order Pinnipedia (pinniped - fin footed) includes the seals, sealions and walruses. Sea lions and fur seals are in the family otariidae. They have external ears and use their front flippers for propulsion in water. They can tuck their rear flippers under and walk reasonably quickly on land. True seals are in the family phocidae. read more

Though their bodies can appear chubby, seals are generally smaller and more aquadynamic than sea lions. At the same time, their hind flippers angle backward and don't rotate. This makes them fast in the water but basic belly crawlers on terra firma. read more