How are seals different from fish?
The word ‘pinniped’ means ‘fin foot’, as the four legs of seals, sea-lions and walrus have developed into flippers to better suit their life in the water. They are not fish! Even though a great part of their life is spent in the sea, pinnipeds are warm blooded air-breathing mammals known as marine mammals.
Does a seal have ears?
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.
What type of fish is a seal?
While there are many differences among the species, all seals have feet shaped like fins. In fact, the word pinniped means “fin-footed” in Latin. Those fin-shaped feet make them supreme swimmers, and all pinnipeds are considered semi-aquatic marine mammals.
What are seals?
Seals and sea lions are semiaquatic mammals that are in a group called pinnipeds, meaning “fin-footed.” Walruses are also members of this group. Also, fur seals are so-named because they have thick fur that can trap air and help keep them warm. True seals have thin fur and use blubber for insulation.
Are seals deaf?
Both seals and walruses have an acute sense of hearing, particularly at sea. True seals are sometimes called earless seals because they lack external ear organs, as do walruses. Otarids, on the other hand, are easily distinguished by the presence of ear flaps.
How much fish does a seal eat per day?
Because seals are voracious eaters, an 800-pound male could consume up to 6 percent of his body weight each day. That’s 50 pounds of fish, including valuable species like cod and flounder.
Can seals hear underwater?
Can seals hear? Seals can hear very well both above and below water. They can hear high pitched sounds well above the range of human hearing.
What makes a true seal?
True seals (Phocidae) are large marine mammals that have a rotund, fusiform shaped body with small fore flippers and larger rear flippers. In water, they use their rear flippers to propel themselves through the water. True seals have no external ear and consequently their head is more streamlined for movement in water.
Can you feed wild seals?
Let curiosity be the ONLY reason for the seals to visit you, NEVER feed wild seals**. You MUST always let seals be in control of their encounter with you. Seals are the largest land breeding mammal in the UK and can be very intimidating in the water. Seals will explore you with their fore flippers, whiskers and mouths.
