Biology Encyclopedia	Pinnipedia Author, 3000 “wingfeet”
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Common Names

Pinnipeds; Fin-footed Mammals; Seals, Sea lions, and walruses.

Latin Synonyms

Linnaean Rank

Ancestral Phylogeny and Taxonomy

Explanation of phylogenetic trees

Lineage

Terrabiota, Cytota, Neomura, Eukaryota, Unikonta, Opisthokonta, Animalia, Metazoa, Eumetazoa, Bilateria, Deuterostomia, Cyrtotreta, Chordata, Notochordata, Vertebrata, Gnathostomata,, Teleostomi, Euteleostomi, Sarcopterygii, Tetrapodomorpha, Tetrapoda, Reptilomorpha, Cotylosauria, Amniota, Synapsida, Therapsida, Eutherapsida, Neotherapsida, Theriodontia, Cynodontia, Epicynodontia, Eucynodontia, Probainognathia, Mammaliaformes, Mammalia, Cladotheria, Zatheria, Theria, Eutheria, Placentalia, Boreoeutheria, Laurasiatheria, Ferungulata, Ferae, Carnivora, Caniformia, Arctoidea

Descendant Phylogeny and Taxonomy

Explanation of phylogenetic trees

Morphology

All pinnipeds have relatively large bodies that are well adapted to their aquatic lifestyle.  The forelimbs and hindlimbs have been modified into paddle- or fin-like structures, the major limb bones are all enclosed in the body, and the pelvis, shoulders, and spine are adapted for efficient swimming while still allowing effective locomotion on land.  All pinnipeds have a tiny tail, and some have small external ear flaps.  Most species also have a short snout and relatively large eye sockets and eyes; they depend on good underwater vision.  their bodies are insulated by a layer of fat, also called blubber, situated immediately beneath the skin.  The blubber helps the animal conserve heat.  Members of the family Phocidae have a particularly thick layer of blubber that also serves as an energy reserve during long periods of fasting (up to a month in some species).

Distribution

Ecology

Ethology

Evolution

Development

Ethnobiology

Population

Notes and Comments

References

Literature

Reeves, Randall and Brent S. Stewart, Phillip J. Clapham, and James A. Powell.  (2002).  National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World.  Chanticleer Press, Inc.

Information on the Internet