Pinnipeds

Seals and sea lions are called Pinnipedia (fin-footed). Pinnipeds are carnivorous aquatic mammals that use flippers for movement on land and in the water. Pinnipeds spend most of their time swimming and eating in the water. To do this their bodies have adaptations that allow them to move easily through their aquatic habitat and survive cold temperatures. Pinnipeds do not move well on land, however pinnipeds do venture onto land or ice floes to bear their young, sunbathe, and molt.

How many types of pinnipeds are there?

There are 33 species of seals (Phocidae), sea lions, fur seals (Otariidae) and walrus (Odobenidae) that populate the world's oceans and lakes (yes there are fresh water seals). All pinnipeds breath air and some are capable of very deep and prolonged dives. The northern elephant seal, for example, is capable of diving to depths over 1,500 feet and can remain under the surface of the water for 2 hours.