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Seals, Sea Lions, and Walrus. Members of the order Pinnipedia are nearly exclusively marine Pinnipeds include: Seals Sea lions and fur seals Walruses. Seals, Sea Lions, and Walrus.
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Seals, Sea Lions, and Walrus • Members of the order Pinnipedia are nearly exclusively marine • Pinnipeds include: • Seals • Sea lions and fur seals • Walruses
Seals, Sea Lions, and Walrus • Pinnipeds (“fin-footed”) evolved from a terrestrial carnivore • They are predators, feeding mainly on fish and squid • Streamlined bodies for swimming • Thick layer of fat, or blubber for insulation, food reserves, and buoyancy
Sea lions and fur seals vs. Seals Sea lions and fur seals (Otariidae) Seals (Phocidae)
Seals • Seals (earless pinnipeds; family Phocidae) have 19 representative species • Rear flippers cannot be moved forward • No external ear flap • Claws (and fur) on flippers • Short, robust neck Photograph is property of the Riverhead Foundation
Sea lions and fur seals • Sea lions and fur seals (eared pinnipeds; family Otariidae) have 15 representative species • Rotatable hind flippers • External ear flap • Long, flexible neck • No fur or claws on flippers
Seals Found in Long Island waters Hooded Seal Harbor Seal Harp Seal All photographs are property of the Riverhead Foundation Gray Seal Ringed Seal
Sea Lions found in Long Island waters There are NO sea lions in the Atlantic Ocean, and therefore no sea lions on Long Island (except at local aquariums) X http://www.atlantismarineworld.com/exhibit-outdoor-sealion.html
Walrus • Walrus (family Odobenidae) are large pinnipeds with a distinctive pair of tusks • Both male and female have tusks; can reach 1 meter in length! • Used for defense, and anchoring onto ice • Strictly Arctic! • Benthic-feeder; feeds primarily on clams