Do seals have a tongue?
Elephant seals are born with a cleft or divided tongue. Scientists are unsure as to the purpose of this split at the front of the tongue, but it may make it easier for the pup to grab and hold onto the mom’s teat while nursing.
Do sea lions have teeth on their tongue?
Sea lions tend to be very sociable animals. By sticking out their tongues and showing their teeth, which is known as the “flehmen response,” they can determine if there is food close by and if it’s worth eating.
What are the differences between seals and sea lions?
Sea lions (left) are brown, bark loudly, “walk” on land using their large flippers and have visible ear flaps. Seals have small flippers, wriggle on their bellies on land, and lack visible ear flaps. Secondly, sea lions have small flaps for outer ears. The “earless” or “true” seals lack external ears altogether.
Do sea lions have tusks?
California sea lions are very gregarious animals. These two animals are Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Both males and females have tusks. Walruses are more closely related to sea lions than seals, but have physical characteristics of both.
How many teeth do elephant seals have?
The adult elephant seal has 30 teeth with a formula of Incisor 2/1, Canine 1/1, Premolar 4/3-5, Molar 1/1. The pups have erupted all 30 permanent teeth by the time they are weaned.
What kind of skin does a sea lion have?
The integument (skin or pelt) of marine mammals is a very special organ! In cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, whales) the skin is smooth and sleek and feels very similar to a hard boiled egg. In pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and fur seals), the skin is covered in a layer of hair which can vary greatly in its thickness depending on the species.
What does a lion do with its tongue?
Sometimes you can watch a lion using its tongue to lick away at the skin of a dead animal. This removes hair and also tenderizes the meat and in combination with its saliva, is an extremely effective means of assisting to start the digestion process even before the lion has in gested anything.
How big does a California sea lion get?
The California sea Iion ( Zalophus californianus) is the most commonly stranded pinniped in California. California sea lions are light to chocolate brown in color and exhibit marked sexual dimorphism. Males can weigh up to 390kg (850lbs) and have a distinctive raised bony bump on their head known as a sagittal crest.
How many species of sea lions are there?
There are seven species of Sea Lion worldwide but are all put together in the same family The seven species are: California Sea Lion – one most familiar sea lions. They are friendly animals often seen doing a variety of tricks in various locations while in captivity. Steller Sea Lion – the largest of the species in the world.