The Difference Between Seals and Sea Lions

Whether at the zoo, a wild animal park, or sea world, sea lions and seals are always a must see, main attraction. They are loud unique creatures that demand attention. Seals and sea lions are very similar in their looks and in fact, are quite commonly mistaken for one another. Sea lions and seals both belong to the order Pinnipedia or pinnipeds (Castro & Huber, 2007, p. 188). These two species are very similar to each other when viewed at a distance; however, there are some very specific scientific and visual differences among the two.

The biggest recognizable difference between seals and sea lions are their ears. Castro & Huber (2007) explain that sea lions have small external ears that can be seen at a distance while seals have internal ears (p. 189). Another notable difference is the sea lions ability to walk on land using their back flippers; these flippers have the ability to be rotated forward (Castro & Huber, 2007, p. 189). Seals however, do not have the luxury of moveable back flippers and are forced to use their front flippers for all movement on land (Castro & Huber, 2007, p. 188). This trait makes the seal move significantly slower then their counterpart.

Another advantage that sea lions have over seals is their ability to rotate their front flippers backwards to allow them to sit with their neck extended and head raised (Castro & Huber, 2007, p. 189). Castro & Huber (2007) note, that seals have shorter necks than sea lions and cannot move their front flippers backwards; this keeps the animals neck and head close to the ground (p. 188). Both of these animals, however, have a thick layer of blubber to protect them from the cold and to use as a food reserve when necessary (Castro & Huber, 2007, p. 188).

Sea lions and seals are also known to be powerful quick swimmers (Castro & Huber, 2007, p. 188-189); seals use their powerful back flippers to propel through the water, while sea lions mainly use their front flippers to glide through their watery habitat (Castro & Huber, 2007, p. 188-189). Unfortunately, many species of seals and sea lions are either threatened or endangered due to hunting (for both their blubber and their fur) and the over exploitation of the fishes they consume. In order to preserve these precious marine mammals for future generations precautionary measures and effective conservation techniques must to be followed. The lives of these marine mammals and many others depend on it.

References:Castro, P. & Huber, M.E. (2007). Marine biology (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.