Fur Seals are marine mammals known for their dense underfur, which was historically valued in the fur trade. They belong to the family Otariidae, which includes sea lions and other fur seals. Unlike true seals from the Phocidae family, fur seals have external ear flaps and the ability to walk on all fours due to their flippers. They are found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere, but some species inhabit the Northern Hemisphere.
Classification of the Fur Seals:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Otariidae
Genera: There are several genera within the family Otariidae that include fur seals:
1. Arctocephalus (Southern fur seals)
2. Callorhinus (the Northern fur seal)
Within these genera, there are multiple species, such as the Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) and the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis), among others. Each species has adaptations suited to its specific habitat, ranging from sub-Antarctic regions to temperate coastlines.
