Do seals have ‘fins’ or ‘flippers’?
Seals are ‘pinnipeds’ which literally means ‘fin footed’. Seals are considered to have flippers, but even scientific literature can be inconsistent on which term is used.
What is the difference between seals and sea lions?
True seals do not have external ears, while sea lions do.
Are fur seals actual seals, or sea lions?
Fur seals and sea lions are part of the eared seals family, Otariidae and are more closely related than the true seals of the earless seals family, Phocidae.
How can I tell fur seals and sea lions apart?
It can be difficult! Fur seals are smaller and shorter, resulting in a stockier body. They also usually have thicker fur, especially around the chest and neck. But when wet, it can be difficult to determine if they are a fur seal or sea lion from video alone.