Carnivora
/kɑ:'niəvə:/
Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic order of mammals: "Carnivora" is the scientific name for the biological order comprising mammals that are primarily characterized by their adaptations for eating flesh. Members typically have sharp teeth and claws for hunting and consuming other animals.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Lions and tigers belong to the order Carnivora.
- The evolution of Carnivora is a major topic in mammalian paleontology.
- Not all members of Carnivora are strict meat-eaters; some, like bears, are omnivorous.
Advanced Usage
- In scientific classification: The term is used formally in zoology and biology to categorize a specific clade of placental mammals.
- The family Canidae is placed within the order Carnivora.
Variants and Related Words
- Carnivore (n): An organism that feeds primarily on animal tissue. While all members of the order Carnivora are carnivores, not all carnivores (e.g., some reptiles, birds) belong to this mammalian order.
- A cat is both a carnivore and a member of Carnivora.
- Carnivorous (adj): Describing the flesh-eating habit.
- Wolves are carnivorous animals.
Synonyms
- Predatory mammals (informal/phrasal synonym): This phrase describes the group but is not a taxonomic term.
- Fissipeds (n): A term sometimes used for the terrestrial members of the order, excluding the pinnipeds (seals, walruses).
Notes on Meaning
The word "Carnivora" refers specifically to the taxonomic order. It should not be confused with the general term "carnivore," which describes a dietary habit. The order includes diverse families, from cats (Felidae) and dogs (Canidae) to bears (Ursidae) and weasels (Mustelidae), as well as marine families like seals (Pinnipedia).
Noun
-
cats; lions; tigers; panthers; dogs; wolves; jackals; bears; raccoons; skunks; and members of the suborder Pinnipedia
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