What is the difference between seals and sea lions?

eals and sea lions, along with walruses, are marine mammals called pinnipeds. While they share many similar characteristics, they are adapted to different environments. read more

Seals and sea lions are marine mammals called 'pinnipeds' that differ in physical characteristics and adaptations. Sea lions (left) are brown, bark loudly,"walk" on land using their large flippers and have visible ear flaps. read more

Sea lions are different from seals in that the females will continue eating while lactating, seals fast during this time, and also in that pups stay with the females between 4-12 months, depending on the species. read more

Seals are closely related to sea lions and another semiaquatic mammal -- the walrus-- but there are some distinct differences. Walruses are easy to point out, but seals and sea lions can get a little confusing, especially because of the terminology used for the two. read more

True seals are termed"earless" because they lack an external ear flap, whereas in"eared" seals or sea lions an external ear flap is visible. There are other, somewhat subtle, differences between the front flippers of the two groups, but the hind flipper differences are noticeable. read more