Carnivora
Carnivora
Carnivora (/kɑːrˈnɪvərə/; from Latin carnis meaning "meat" and vorare meaning "to devour") is an order of placental mammals that have specialized in primarily eating flesh. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, though some species are omnivorous, such as raccoons and bears, and quite a few species like pandas are specialized herbivores.
Etymology
The word "Carnivora" comes from two Latin words. Carnis meaning "meat" and vorare meaning "to devour". The term was first used in the 19th century by taxonomists to classify a group of mammals that share similar dental and cranial traits.
Characteristics
Carnivorans have a characteristic skull shape, dentition, and other morphological traits that distinguish them from other mammals. They have a highly developed sense of smell, and most species have non-retractile claws.
Classification
The order Carnivora is split into two suborders: the Feliformia (cat-like carnivorans) and the Caniformia (dog-like carnivorans).
Evolution
The order Carnivora includes over 280 species of placental mammals. Its members have evolved in various ways to adapt to their environments and to their prey.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carnivora
- Wikipedia's article - Carnivora
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