eared seal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "eared seal crossword clue," you're in the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers and explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "eared seal crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
OTARY: A general term for an eared seal, part of the family Otariidae, which includes sea lions and fur seals. It's a common answer for 'eared seal' in puzzles.
7 Letters
OTARINE: Pertaining to or characteristic of the Otariidae family, the biological classification for eared seals. A more scientific term that frequently appears in crosswords.
SEALION: A large eared seal with external ear flaps and the ability to walk on its strong front and rotating hind flippers. Often used as an answer for 'eared seal'.
More About "eared seal crossword clue"
Eared seals belong to the scientific family Otariidae, distinct from the Phocidae family, which are 'true seals' or 'earless seals'. The most prominent difference, and often the key to crossword clues, is the presence of visible, external ear flaps on eared seals. This anatomical feature is crucial for distinguishing them in the animal kingdom and, consequently, in word puzzles.
Beyond their ears, eared seals like sea lions and fur seals possess large, well-developed front flippers that they primarily use for propulsion through water, unlike true seals who use their hind flippers. Additionally, eared seals can rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to 'walk' or gallop on all fours on land, giving them a more agile terrestrial movement compared to the undulating, 'worm-like' movement of true seals.
These majestic marine mammals are found across various oceans, from the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to warmer tropical regions. Their unique characteristics make them fascinating subjects for both zoological study and, as we've seen, challenging yet rewarding crossword clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Scientific Terms: For clues like "eared seal," remember that puzzles often alternate between common names (like SEA LION) and more scientific or general terms (like OTARY or OTARINE).
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available spaces in your grid. This is the quickest way to narrow down potential answers, especially when multiple terms fit the clue but vary in length.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes, surrounding clues in the puzzle or the theme of the puzzle itself can hint at whether a more general or a more specific answer is required for "eared seal."
- Distinguish from "True Seals": Crossword setters love to play on the difference between eared seals and true seals (earless seals). If you see a clue about ears or locomotion on land, think "eared seal." If it mentions sleek bodies or wriggling, it might be a true seal.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 'eared seal'?
An 'eared seal' refers to any member of the Otariidae family, which includes sea lions and fur seals. They are distinguished from 'true seals' (Phocidae) by their visible external ear flaps and their ability to rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to 'walk' on land. This anatomical difference is often a key point in crossword clues.
Why are there different answers for the 'eared seal' clue?
Crossword puzzles often use synonyms or different specific terms related to a general concept. For 'eared seal', answers like OTARY, SEALION, or OTARINE are all valid depending on the required letter count or the specific nuance the clue is looking for. OTARY is a general scientific term, while SEALION is a common example of an eared seal.
How do 'eared seals' differ from 'true seals' in crosswords?
This distinction is a common crossword theme! Eared seals (Otariidae) have small, external ear flaps and can bring their hind flippers forward to walk on all fours on land. True seals (Phocidae), like harbor seals, lack external ear flaps (having only ear holes) and move on land by wriggling their bodies, as their hind flippers point backward. This difference in movement and ear structure is often the key to solving related clues.