Seals  

Otariidae: Eared seals

Phocidae: True seals

Odobenidae: Walruses

External ears

No external ears

No external ears
Large tusks

Distinct small tail

Distinct small tail

No distinct tail

Hind limbs can be folded forward and can be used for walking on land.
Front flippers can support the body when walking on land.

Their hind limbs cannot be folded forward.
On land they move by hopping on their belly, without the support of their limbs.

Hind limbs can be folded forward and can be used for walking on land.
Front flippers can support the body when walking on land.

The front flippers are the main source of propulsion when swimming.

In the water, they propel themselves by moving their hind flippers left and right.

The hind flippers are the main source of propulsion when swimming.