14. Describe how you can differentiate a true seal, such as a monk seal, from a sea lion.

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- **External Ears:**  
  True seals, such as monk seals, lack external ear flaps, meaning they have only small openings for ears. Sea lions, on the other hand, possess noticeable external ear flaps.

- **Locomotion on Land:**  
  True seals move on land by undulating their bodies, as their short flippers do not support efficient walking. Sea lions use their large, wing-like flippers to “walk” on land, giving them more agility.

- **Body Structure:**  
  The streamlined body of a true seal is adapted for swimming, but it makes terrestrial movement cumbersome. In contrast, the body structure of sea lions is more suited to both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

- **Swim Technique:**  
  While both are excellent swimmers, true seals rely on body flexion for propulsion underwater, whereas sea lions use their powerful flippers, enhancing their maneuverability.

The key indicators to differentiate them are the presence of external ear flaps and the method of locomotion on land.
To differentiate a true seal, like a monk seal, from a sea lion: 1. **External Ears:** True seals have small ear openings without visible flaps, while sea lions have noticeable external ear flaps. 2. **Movement on Land:** True seals move by undulating their bodies, while sea lions use their large flippers to walk. 3. **Body Structure:** True seals are more streamlined for swimming but less agile on land, whereas sea lions have a body structure better suited for both water and land. 4. **Swimming Style:** True seals swim by flexing their bodies, while sea lions use their powerful flippers for better maneuverability. These differences help identify whether a seal is a true seal or a sea lion.

14. Describe how you can differentiate a true seal, such as a monk seal, from a sea lion.

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