Pinnipedia “Feather footed”
Characteristics Diet: fish and squid Diet: fish and squid Streamlined bodies; front & rear flippers Streamlined bodies; front & rear flippers Blubber and bristly hair for insulation, buoyancy & cold protection Blubber and bristly hair for insulation, buoyancy & cold protection Habitat: cold water Habitat: cold water Rest & breed on land Rest & breed on land
SEALS Largest group Largest group Rear flippers do not rotate forward; awkward on land Rear flippers do not rotate forward; awkward on land Short neck, no external ear Short neck, no external ear Hunted for skin, meat and blubber Hunted for skin, meat and blubber Harp seal pups are white and are hunted in Canada Harp seal pups are white and are hunted in Canada
Endangered
SEA LIONS Rear flippers can rotate forward; better coordination on land Rear flippers can rotate forward; better coordination on land Long neck, external ears Long neck, external ears “Circus & entertainment” pinniped “Circus & entertainment” pinniped
WALRUS Very large with tusks (ivory) protruding down Very large with tusks (ivory) protruding down Feeds on benthic invertebrates – clams Feeds on benthic invertebrates – clams Has harems of females for breeding, may lead to fights with other males Has harems of females for breeding, may lead to fights with other males