Seals and sea lions are the two categories of pinnipeds, fin-footed marine mammals. While they look very similar to the untrained observer, there are several differences that can easily be checked in order to distinguish a seal from a sea lion.
Seal or a Sea Lion?
Ears or Earless?
Seals or Sea Lions?
Sea lions (eared seals) have ear flaps, while true seals (earless seals) have ear holes. According to SFGate, earless seals are descended from mammals similar to the river otter. Examples of these earless seals are the Northern elephant seal and the harbor seal. Eared seals are understood to have been descended from a bear-like mammal. Examples of these are the California sea lion and the Northern fur seal.
Forearm Structure
Seals or Sea Lions?
Sea lions have long, hairless fore flippers while seals have short, hairy fore flippers and long claws.
Movement on Land
The sea lion's hind flippers rotate underneath them to allow them to walk on land. Seals usually move by wiggling on their bellies and keeping their hind flipper straight behind them.
Swimming Technique
To swim, sea lions use their fore flippers like a bird uses its wings to fly. Seals steer with their fore flippers and use their hind flippers to propel them along.
Whiskers
Sea lions have long, smooth whiskers, specialized hairs used for tactile sensations. Seals have crimped or beaded whiskers.
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