Pinniped (seals, sea lions)

Pinnipeds are marine mammals that include seals, sea lions, and their relatives. They are well-adapted to life in water, with streamlined bodies, flipper-like limbs for swimming, and thick layers of fat called blubber for insulation. Pinnipeds come ashore to rest, breed, and give birth. They are excellent swimmers, feeding mainly on fish and squid. While seals generally have shorter external ears and move more quietly on land, sea lions have external ear flaps and can walk on land using their flippers. They play important roles in marine ecosystems and are protected due to threats like habitat loss and pollution.