Order Carnivora Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts and scientific classifications from the Order Carnivora lecture notes.

Mephitis mephitis

Striped skunk

Mustela erminea

Ermine (short-tailed weasel)

Mustela nivalis

Least weasel

Neogale vison

American mink

Taxidea taxus

American badger

Martes americana

American marten

Pekania pennanti

Fisher

Lontra canadensis

Northern river otter

Gulo gulo

Wolverine

Procyon lotor

Raccoon

Order Carnivora

A group of mammals known for their carnivorous diet, characterized by large canines, sharp slicing teeth, and shorter snouts compared to herbivores.

Family Mephitidae

The family that includes striped skunks, characterized by medium skulls and moderately long snouts.

Family Mustelidae

The family that includes weasels and otters, characterized by elongated bodies and strong carnivorous teeth.

Family Procyonidae

The family that includes raccoons, characterized by less sharp teeth and medium skulls.

Carnassials

Specialized teeth in carnivores adapted for slicing meat.

Sagittal crest

A ridge of bone on the top of the skull that serves as an attachment point for muscles that close the jaw, indicating bite force.

Neogale frenata

Long-tailed weasel