Seals vs. Sea Lions: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on March 22, 2024
Seals and sea lions are marine mammals, but seals have smoother, furless bodies and lack external ear flaps, while sea lions have visible ear flaps and larger, flipper-like forelimbs for walking on land.
Key Differences
Seals are members of the family Phocidae, known for their streamlined bodies and lack of external ear flaps. They are well-adapted for life in the water, using their hind flippers to propel themselves while swimming. Sea lions, on the other hand, belong to the family Otariidae and have visible external ear flaps, as well as larger, more muscular forelimbs that allow them to walk on land more easily.
Seals have a more solitary nature, often found alone or in small groups. They are less vocal than sea lions and rely more on their whiskers to sense prey in the water. Sea lions are more social animals, commonly seen in large colonies and known for their loud barking noises. They use their eyesight more than seals to hunt for fish.
The forelimbs of seals are shorter and not as well-developed for walking on land, so they move in a more undulating motion when on shore. Sea lions have longer, stronger forelimbs that allow them to "walk" on land by rotating their flippers under their bodies.
Seals generally have a layer of blubber under their skin for insulation, while sea lions have a thinner layer of blubber and rely more on their fur for warmth. This difference in insulation is one reason why seals are more commonly found in colder waters, while sea lions are often seen in warmer, temperate regions.
When it comes to breeding, seals tend to be more discreet, giving birth on ice floes or in secluded beaches. Sea lions, however, breed in large groups on land, with males establishing territories and harems of females during the breeding season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Ear Flaps
Lack external ear flaps
Have visible external ear flaps
Forelimbs
Shorter, less developed
Longer, more muscular
Social Behavior
More solitary, less vocal
More social, loud barking
Movement on Land
Undulating motion
Can "walk" using flippers
Insulation
Thicker layer of blubber
Thinner blubber, rely on fur
ADVERTISEMENT
Seals and Sea Lions Definitions
Seals
Seals are marine mammals with streamlined bodies and no external ear flaps.
The seal glided gracefully through the icy waters.
Sea Lions
Sea lions are marine mammals with visible external ear flaps and muscular forelimbs.
The sea lion used its strong forelimbs to pull itself onto the rocky shore.
Seals
Seals have a layer of blubber for insulation against cold temperatures.
The seal's thick blubber keeps it warm in the freezing Arctic waters.
Sea Lions
Sea lions are social animals, often found in large colonies and known for their loud barking.
The beach was filled with the sound of barking sea lions.
Seals
Seals are adapted for life in the water, using their hind flippers for propulsion.
We watched as the seals dove deep to catch fish.
Sea Lions
Sea lions use their eyesight more than seals to hunt for fish.
The sea lion spotted a school of fish and quickly dove into the water to catch its meal.
Seals
Seals are generally solitary animals, often found alone or in small groups.
A lone seal basked in the sun on a secluded beach.
Sea Lions
Sea lions have a thinner layer of blubber and rely on their fur for warmth.
The sea lion's thick fur protected it from the chilly ocean breeze.
Seals
Seals rely on their whiskers to sense prey in the water.
The seal twitched its whiskers, detecting the movement of nearby fish.
Sea Lions
Sea lions can "walk" on land by rotating their flippers under their bodies.
We watched in amazement as the sea lion walked across the beach to join its group.
Seals
A device or material that is used to close off or fasten an opening or connection, especially to prevent the escape of a liquid or gas
Used caulk as a seal around the window.
Seals
An airtight closure
A door that lacks a tight seal.
FAQs
What are seals?
Seals are marine mammals belonging to the family Phocidae, known for their streamlined bodies and lack of external ear flaps.
What are sea lions?
Sea lions are marine mammals in the family Otariidae, characterized by their visible external ear flaps and ability to walk on land using their flippers.
How can you distinguish a seal from a sea lion?
You can distinguish them by their ear flaps (sea lions have visible ones, seals do not) and their movement on land (sea lions can walk on their flippers, seals cannot).
How do sea lions communicate?
Sea lions communicate using a variety of vocalizations, visual displays, and body postures.
How long do seals live?
The lifespan of seals varies by species, but they can live up to 30 years in the wild.
What do sea lions eat?
Sea lions also primarily feed on fish, squid, and occasionally octopus.
How do seals communicate?
Seals communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking.
How long do sea lions live?
Sea lions can live up to 20-30 years in the wild, depending on the species.
How do seals reproduce?
Seals mate in the water, and females give birth to pups on land or ice. They have a delayed implantation, meaning the embryo doesn't start developing until months after fertilization.
What do seals eat?
Seals primarily eat fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Where do sea lions live?
Sea lions are found along the coasts of the Pacific and Southern Oceans, with some species in the Atlantic.
Are sea lions social animals?
Yes, sea lions are highly social and often seen in groups called colonies or rafts.
What are the threats to seals?
Threats to seals include climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and hunting.
Are seals endangered?
Some seal species are endangered, such as the Hawaiian monk seal, while others have stable populations.
Where do seals live?
Seals are found in most of the world's oceans, from the Arctic and Antarctic to tropical regions.
Are seals social animals?
Some seal species are solitary, while others, like the elephant seal, form large colonies.
How do sea lions reproduce?
Sea lions mate on land, and females give birth to a single pup after a gestation period of about 11 months.
What are the threats to sea lions?
Threats to sea lions include entanglement in fishing gear, habitat degradation, pollution, and illegal hunting.
Are sea lions endangered?
Some sea lion species, like the Galápagos sea lion, are endangered, while others are not.
How are seals and sea lions important to the ecosystem?
Both seals and sea lions play crucial roles in marine ecosystems as predators that help maintain the balance of marine life and as prey for larger predators like sharks and orcas.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
