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How are seals related to walruses and sea lions?
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seal
Crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus).
Seals, sea lions, and walruses are all members of the suborder Pinnipedia, a group of aquatic, fin-footed mammals that share a common bearlike ancestor from which they diverged approximately 25 to 27 million years ago.1
While they are related through this suborder, they are classified into three distinct families based on anatomical differences:
- Phocidae: Known as true or earless seals, these animals lack external ear flaps and possess short front flippers. Because their hind flippers cannot rotate under their bodies, they move on land by flopping on their bellies.12
- Otariidae: This family includes sea lions and fur seals. They are distinguished by visible external ear flaps and long front flippers. Their ability to rotate their hind flippers under their bodies allows them to walk on land.12
- Odobenidae: This family consists solely of the walrus, which is easily identified by its large tusks.12
Despite these differences, all pinnipeds are carnivorous, possess sensitive whiskers for detecting prey, and are adapted for life in marine environments.1