Carnivora
Carnivora is an order of placental mammals that includes the most familiar and charismatic predatory animals. The name “Carnivora” literally means “meat-eating,” and while the vast majority of carnivorans are indeed predators, there are some exceptions, such as the giant panda, which has evolved to feed primarily on bamboo.
Common Names
Carnivorans are commonly known as "carnivores" or "meat-eaters." However, this term is somewhat misleading, as not all carnivorans are strictly carnivorous.
Characteristics
Carnivorans share a number of characteristics, including:
- Sharp teeth, adapted for tearing flesh, including canines and carnassial teeth.
- Powerful jaws, designed for crushing bones and shearing meat.
- Keen senses, particularly sight, smell, and hearing, which help them locate prey.
- Strong limbs, capable of running, climbing, or swimming, depending on the species.
- Solitary or social behavior, depending on the species and environment.
Environments
Carnivorans live in a wide variety of habitats worldwide, including:
- Forests
- Grasslands
- Deserts
- Arctic regions
- Aquatic environments
Marine Carnivorans
While most carnivorans are terrestrial, there are a few species that have adapted to life in the ocean. These include:
- Sea otters (Enhydra lutris): The smallest marine mammal, sea otters are highly adapted to life in the water, with dense fur, webbed paws, and a streamlined body. They feed primarily on shellfish, crustaceans, and sea urchins.
- Polar bears (Ursus maritimus): Polar bears are large, powerful predators that live in the Arctic regions and rely heavily on sea ice for hunting seals.
- Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus): Walruses are large, tusked marine mammals that live in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They feed primarily on clams, mussels, and other invertebrates that they dig up from the seabed.