The term 'otary' refers to a group of aquatic mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and eared seals. Seals are typically characterized by their short front flippers, lack of external ears, and thick fur coats. Sea lions have longer front flippers, external ears, and a thicker layer of blubber than seals. Eared seals have external ears and long front flippers, and they are distinguished from other seals by their ability to rotate their hind flippers under their bodies. All three species are found in coastal waters around the world and feed on fish, squid, and other marine life.