eared seal crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the definitive page for solutions to the crossword clue "eared seal". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just double-checking your answer, you'll find accurate and helpful information here, along with explanations to broaden your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "eared seal crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
OTARY: This is the most common and precise crossword answer for "eared seal." Otary is a scientific term referring to any pinniped (like sea lions and fur seals) that possesses external ear flaps.
6 Letters
WALRUS: While famous for their tusks, walruses are also pinnipeds that possess small but noticeable external ear flaps, distinguishing them from earless seals. This makes them a valid, though less direct, answer for "eared seal" in some crossword contexts.
More About "eared seal crossword"
The clue "eared seal" is a classic example of how crosswords use specific scientific or descriptive terms to guide you to a less common answer. While many people think of "seal" as a generic term, there's a significant distinction in the marine mammal world: those with external ears (eared seals or otariids) and those without (true seals or phocids).
Eared seals, such as sea lions and fur seals, are characterized by their visible external ear flaps and the ability to rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to "walk" on land. This adaptability makes them frequent inhabitants of rocky coastlines. Understanding these distinctions can often unlock seemingly obscure crossword clues that delve into zoological specifics.
When you encounter a clue like "eared seal," it’s a strong hint to think beyond the most obvious, generic answers and consider more precise biological classifications. This level of detail is what makes crossword puzzles both challenging and educational.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Break Down the Clue: For "eared seal," notice both words. "Eared" is key to differentiating from true seals. This precise modifier often points to a specific subcategory.
- Consider Scientific Names: Many animal clues in crosswords, especially those with specific descriptors, often lead to scientific or lesser-known common names. "Otary" is a prime example.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While "seal" is an animal, "eared seal" narrows it down significantly. Don't jump to the most common answer immediately if the clue has a specific qualifier.
- Check Letter Count: Always keep the required letter count in mind. If "OTARY" (5 letters) doesn't fit, think of other animals that might broadly fit "eared seal" and their length, like "WALRUS" (6 letters).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eared seal?
An eared seal, scientifically known as an otary, is a type of pinniped (fin-footed marine mammal) characterized by visible external ear flaps. This distinguishes them from 'true seals' (phocids), which lack external ear structures and have small, internal ear openings. Examples of eared seals include sea lions and fur seals.
Why might 'eared seal' appear in a crossword puzzle?
Crossword clues often use descriptive terms to lead solvers to specific, less common animal names or scientific classifications. 'Eared seal' is a precise description that points directly to the scientific term 'otary', which is a popular crossword answer. It also helps differentiate from generic 'seal' answers.
Are walruses considered eared seals?
Yes, walruses are indeed considered eared seals (otariids) in the broader sense of having small, external ear flaps, unlike true seals. Although their most distinctive feature is their tusks, their ear structure places them within the eared seal category in zoological classification, making them a plausible crossword answer for 'eared seal' depending on the puzzle's specific context.