Talk:Eared seal

Paraphyly of the Otariidae

A genetic analysis suggests that the Otariidae as traditionally composed is paraphyletic. This study means that the Otariidae should include only Eumetopias, Neophoca, Otaria, Phocarctos, and Zalophus, with the recognition of the Arctocephalinae as a valid family, Arctocephalidae.

Do you have a cite? Anaxial 20:41, 15 November 2007 (UTC)

I haven't heard of Arctocephalinae becoming it's own family. Brunner 2004 (see reference in article), who appears to have performed a very thorough analysis of the molecular data, recommends a removal of the subfamily divisions entirely and leaving the folowing genera: Otaria, Eumetopias, Neophoca, Phocarctos, Zalophus, Callorhinus and Arctocephalus. I believe these divisions are pretty much accepted now (see, e.g. ITIS). The taxonomy throughout the Wikipedia articles on pinnipeds should probably be updated to reflect this. Best, - Eliezg 00:50, 16 November 2007 (UTC)

Ownership

After a shake up of UK pet ownership laws (5th October 2007) you would require a licence to keep an Eared Seal as a pet. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.75.159.78 (talk) 09:05, 5 October 2007 (UTC)

Confusing classification

This article describes three different ways to break down the classification of members of the family Otаriidae. The first way is with two subfamilies which is stated as being outdated. Though outdated, the article states that it is still useful to divide the fur seals from the sea lions for the discussion of certain topics. The second way is with the family divided into seven genera. The third way, mentioned at the very end, is with the family divided into three clades that are never named. Is this third way new, not generally accepted, or what?

To make matters worse, when the classification is fully listed in the article, it gives a combination of the first two ways. It shows two subfamilies with seven genera between them. What is the accepted, correct way? This needs to be used when listed in the article. Though it may be useful to show which species are condidered fur seals and which sea lions, if this is not part of the current way of classifying it should not appear here. If the three clades are not part of the current classification but have scientific merit, the actual status of this needs to be explained and referenced. Probing Mind (talk) 13:42, 31 January 2014 (UTC)

An additional note on taxonomy. Whatever is done here should agree with Pinniped. One or both may need to be changed. Using a tree-like diagram similar to the one at Pinniped, it may be possible to show both cladistic and traditional binomial naming but it would need to be carefully labeled. If not, maybe both systems should be shown. I would prefer someone more knowledgable do this. If no one rises to the challenge, I can do some research. If I find definitive results I can incorporate them. Also, Pinniped is a FA, any changes would have to be very clear in the literature.Probing Mind (talk) 23:12, 31 January 2014 (UTC)