Earless seals, also known as phocids or true seals, are one of the three main groups of mammals within the seal lineage, Pinnipedia. Despite their name, earless seals actually have ears – they are just hidden beneath the surface of their skin. This is because they lack external ear flaps and instead have small holes on either side of their head. The absence of external ears is what gives them the name “earless” seals.
Earless seals are distinguished from sea lions and fur seals by their lack of external ears and their ability to use only their hind limbs for propulsion when swimming. They use their forelimbs to maneuver in the water while propelling themselves forward with side-to-side strokes of their hind limbs.
The family Phocidae consists solely of earless seals and includes species such as Baikal seal, harbor seal, monk seal, ringed seal, ribbon seal and spotted seal. All true seals are members of this family and can be found in both cold and temperate waters around the world.
Overall, earless seals get their name due to the absence of external ear flaps which distinguishes them from other species such as sea lions and fur seals.
