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Seal

Acrobats of the Sea: A member of the pinniped family, seals are aptly suited to their watery environment. With streamlined bodies, eyes that see well underwater, ear passages and nostrils that clamp shut while underwater, and insulating blubber, they are the acrobats of the sea.

All Shapes and Sizes: Seals come in many different shapes, sizes and colors, and can be found in a variety of ocean habitats. The largest pinniped, the male southern elephant seal, can weigh as much as 5 1/2 tons. Its distinctive nose, which resembles an elephant's trunk, inflates when roaring to ward off male rivals during breeding season. The weddell seal uses its long upper incisor teeth to bite holes in sheets of ice to create breathing holes after its one-hour dive to find fish and squid.

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DID YOU KNOW?

True Seals Vs. Fur Seals: There are two types of seal: true seals and fur seals. True, or earless, seals are more specialized for aquatic life than fur seals, which are more closely related to sea lions.

The Streamlined Seal: True seals have ultra-streamlined bodies compared to fur seals. They lack external ears, can retract their nipples, have internal testicles and their penis lies in an internal sheath.

Seal Songs: Seals "sing" underwater, sometimes lengthy songs over a minute long. Scientists believe this behavior is either related to underwater navigation or hunting.

Small to Large: Topping out at around 140 pounds, the Galapagos fur seal is the world's smallest pinniped (fin-footed mammals). At up to 11,000 pounds, the southern elephant seal is the largest.

How Stuff Works

What's the Difference Between Seals and Sea Lions?
At first glance, seals and sea lions are so similar that telling them apart can be quite confusing. Our partners at HowStuffWorks.com can straighten you out.