Carnivora

Carnivora is an order of mammals that comprises many of the world’s meat-eating species, though some members are omnivorous or opportunistic feeders. The group is highly diverse, ranging from small weasels to large bears and includes both land-dwelling predators and aquatic or semi-aquatic forms.

The order is divided into two primary suborders: Feliformia, the cat-like carnivorans, and Caniformia, the dog-like carnivorans. Feliformia includes families such as Felidae (cats), Hyaenidae (hyenas), Herpestidae (mongooses), and Viverridae (civets and related species). Caniformia includes Canidae (dogs), Ursidae (bears), Mustelidae (weasels and kin), Procyonidae (raccoons), Ailuridae (red panda), and the pinnipeds—Otariidae (eared seals and sea lions), Phocidae (true seals), and Odobenidae (walrus).

A defining feature of Carnivora is the specialized dentition known as carnassials, which are adapted for shearing meat. The order also exhibits a wide range of sizes, ecologies, and life histories, with many species occupying apex or mesopredator roles in their ecosystems. While most carnivorans are carnivorous, several lineages have evolved omnivorous diets, and some, such as bears, show substantial adaptation to plant matter or seasonal resources.

The fossil record traces carnivorans to the late Paleocene and early Eocene, with rapid diversification during the Miocene to fill various ecological niches. Today, Carnivora is cosmopolitan, occupying terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Conservation status varies by species, with many facing threats from habitat loss, prey depletion, and human activity.