Pinnipeds, fin-footed marine mammals, are divided into two categories: earless seals (true seals) and eared seals (sea lions). Earless seals like the Northern elephant seal and harbor seal are believed to have decended from a line of terrestrial mammals similar to otters. Eared seals like the California sea lion and the Northern fur seal are believed to have decended from a bear-like mammal. Adaptations like fins for mobility, blubber for warmth and hydrodynamic body shape help both species survive in an aquatic habitat.
Many of these pinnipeds make thier homes around the bay.
Below is a graphic differentiation between four of the six species of pennipeds found in Northern California, courtesy of the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. |
