Seal Quiz: Discover Fascinating Facts About Pinnipeds

Animal welfare. Seal caught in plastic fishing net. Marine pollution.

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Key Points

Welcome to the Seal Quiz, where you can test your knowledge and learn more about one of the most graceful swimming mammals. These pinnipeds are known not only for their excellent swimming skills but for their ability to hold their breath for large amounts of time while underwater - elephant seals can hold their breath for up to two hours!

Take the quiz to test your knowledge of Seals if you believe you know everything there is to know about them or if you simply want to learn more about these fascinating earless animals!

Quiz Questions

What is the scientific name for the seal?

Phocidae
Cetacea
Otariidae
Pinnipedia

What is the average lifespan of a seal in the wild?

10-25 years
20-35 years
35-50 years
15-35 years

What is the average weight of a seal?

300-400 lbs
50-100 lbs
100-200 lbs
200-300 lbs

What is the average length of a seal?

6-8 feet
5-6 feet
3-4 feet
9-10 feet

What is the diet of a seal?

Plants
Insects
Birds
Fish

What is the scientific name for the harbor seal?

Erignathus barbatus
Mirounga angustirostris
Odobenus rosmarus
Phoca vitulina

What is the scientific name for the elephant seal?

Phoca vitulina
Odobenus rosmarus
Erignathus barbatus
Mirounga angustirostris

What is the scientific name for the bearded seal?

Erignathus barbatus
Mirounga angustirostris
Odobenus rosmarus
Phoca vitulina

What is the scientific name for the walrus?

Phoca vitulina
Erignathus barbatus
Odobenus rosmarus
Mirounga angustirostris

What is the habitat of a seal?

Coastal Waters
Desert
Grassland
Rainforest

What is the scientific name for the leopard seal?

Ommatophoca rossii
Hydrurga leptonyx
Lobodon carcinophagus
Monachus schauinslandi

What is the scientific name for the crabeater seal?

Lobodon carcinophagus
Monachus schauinslandi
Ommatophoca rossii
Hydrurga leptonyx

What is the scientific name for the Ross seal?

Monachus schauinslandi
Hydrurga leptonyx
Ommatophoca rossii
Lobodon carcinophagus

What is the scientific name for the Hawaiian monk seal?

Ommatophoca rossii
Lobodon carcinophagus
Monachus schauinslandi
Hydrurga leptonyx

What is the color of a seal's fur?

Gray
Brown
White
Black

What is the scientific name for the Mediterranean monk seal?

Monachus tropicalis
Monachus schauinslandi
Monachus leoninus
Monachus monachus

Types Of Seals

There are around 32 different types of these mammals. These pinnipeds belong to the group Pinnipedia which is comprised of three main groups - the walrus (Odobenidae), which is the only living member of its group, eared seals (Otariidae), which include types of sea lions and furred seals, and finally the true seals, known as the earless seals, (Phocidae). Although they are called earless, these mammals do, in fact, have ears - they are holes that lack an external flap. A few of these true, earless pinnipeds are:

While all pinniped species are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), there are certain species that are endangered. The Hawaiian monk seal has been listed as an endangered species since 1976 under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Hawai'i state law. The Mediterranean monk seal is also listed as endangered and has numbers that hover around 700.

Interesting Facts

Unlike their sea lion cousins, true seals do not have ear flaps but have ear holes instead. They also have small flippers, and wriggle on their bellies on land. Although they can be found throughout the world in marine environments, they do prefer colder temperatures and are even found in freshwater. Keep reading to find out more interesting facts.

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About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.