caniform

Caniformia, or caniforms, is a suborder of the mammalian order Carnivora that includes a diverse group of dog-like carnivorans. The name derives from the Latin canis, meaning dog, and the suffix -iform, meaning in the form of. Caniforms are distinguished from Feliformia (the cat-like carnivorans) by features of their skulls, teeth, and ear structure, among others.

The suborder comprises two major lineages: Pinnipedia, the marine pinniped mammals—including true seals (Phocidae), eared seals and fur seals (Otariidae), and the walrus (Odobenidae)—and the terrestrial caniforms, which include several families commonly grouped as Canoidea. The terrestrial caniform families include Canidae (dogs, wolves, foxes), Ursidae (bears), Procyonidae (raccoons, coatis, kinkajou, olingos), Mustelidae (weasels, otters, badgers, ferrets), Mephitidae (skunks), and Ailuridae (red panda).

Ecology and adaptations among caniforms are highly diverse. Many are carnivorous or omnivorous, with a range of hunting strategies and prey preferences. Bears exhibit omnivory and substantial dietary flexibility, while canids are typically skilled predators. Pinnipeds are adapted to aquatic life, with streamlined bodies and flippers for efficient swimming, though they rely on terrestrial habitats for reproduction.

Evolutionarily, Caniformia is one of two major suborders of Carnivora, having diverged from Feliformia in the Paleogene period. Early caniforms included the ancestors of pinnipeds, with later diversification yielding a broad array of families and species that occupy ecosystems worldwide.