Carnivora

/kɑːrˈnɪv.ər.ə/ noun

Definition

An order of mammals that includes lions, dogs, bears, and seals, characterized by their meat-eating diet and specialized teeth for tearing flesh.

Etymology

From Latin 'carnis' (meat) and 'vorare' (to devour). The taxonomic order name was formalized in the 18th century to classify these predatory mammals with flesh-eating adaptations.

Kelly Says

Carnivora includes some of the ocean's top predators like seals and sea lions, yet pandas—also in this order—eat mostly bamboo! The scientific classification groups animals by evolutionary history, not just by what they eat today.

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