Research topic: carnivore

carnivore , term commonly applied to any animal whose diet consists wholly or largely of animal matter. In animal systematics it refers to members of the mammalian order Carnivora (see Chordata ). This large order is divided into two suborders, the Fissipedia, or land carnivores, and the Pinnipedia, or fin-footed carnivores. The Fissipedia encompasses two superfamilies: one (Canoidea) includes the dog , bear , raccoon , and weasel families and the other (Feloidea) includes the cat , civet , and hyena families. The Pinnipedia, often classified as a separate order, includes... Read more