Vertebrate Zoology

A Dictionary of Zoology A Dictionary of Earth Sciences Further reading

Phocidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

Phocidae (seals; order Carnivora, suborder Pinnipedia (or Caniformia)) A family of marine carnivores in which there is no external ear, the tail is small, and the hind limbs cannot be turned forward to assist movement on land. Most feed on fish and marine invertebrates, but some feed on macroplankton, and one species feeds on penguins. Despite superficial similarities, the phocid and otariid seals are believed by some to have evolved independently and not to be closely related to one another. The phocid seals diverged from the otter branch of the Mustelidae and can be traced back to the Miocene. They are more completely adapted for aquatic life than the Otariidae. Phocid seals are found in all oceans, mainly in high latitudes, and in the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. There are 10 genera, and 19 species.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Phocidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Phocidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Phocidae.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Phocidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Phocidae.html

Learn more about citation styles

Phocidae

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

Phocidae See CARNIVORA.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Phocidae." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Phocidae." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-Phocidae.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Phocidae." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-Phocidae.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

	DON'T SHOOT SALTY THE SEAL; Animal lovers in rescue bid.(News) Newspaper article from: Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland); 4/16/2003
	Drowning dog saved by a seal; ANIMAL MAGIC 1.(News) Newspaper article from: The Mirror (London, England); 6/20/2002
	Cruel cull of seals begins; ANIMALS.(News) Newspaper article from: The Mirror (London, England); 7/17/2009