Family Amphicyonidae |
Family Canidae |
Family Desmatophocidae |
Family Enaliarctidae |
Family Felidae |
Family Herpestidae |
Family Hyaenidae |
Family Miacidae |
Family Mustelidae |
Family Odobenidae |
Family Otariidae |
Family Phocidae |
Family Procyonidae |
Family Protelidae |
Family Ursidae |
Family Viverravidae |
Family Viverridae |
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The Order Carnivora is a diverse group of mammals primarily adapted for eating meat, though many species are omnivorous. It includes about 280 living species such as cats, dogs, bears, hyenas, weasels, raccoons, and seals. Members typically have sharp teeth, including specialized carnassials for shearing flesh, strong jaws, keen senses, and claws for hunting or defense. Carnivora is divided into two main suborders: Feliformia ("cat-like" species, e.g., cats and hyenas) and Caniformia ("dog-like" species, e.g., dogs, bears, and weasels). These mammals occupy diverse habitats worldwide and serve important ecological roles as predators, scavengers, and keystone species, helping regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.