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The
carnivores are the dogs, bears, raccoons, weasels, civets,
mongooses, hyenas and cats. The structure of the Carnivora
order continues to be discussed and is not yet conclusive.
This account follows the classification structure given
in Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th Edition
wherein the Carnivora consists of 8 Recent families,
97 genera, and 246 species. Their natural distribution
occurs throughout the world with the exception of Australia,
New Guinea, New Zealand and Antarctica. A wild population
of Canis familiaris was introduced to Australia
in prehistoric times and remains established through
Recent. The fossil history is believed to be from early
Paleocene to Recent.
The
last upper premolar and first lower molar called the
carnassials are highly adapted for shearing in carnivores.
Most, but not all, carnivores feed primarily on freshly
caught prey. They are highly efficient predators and
employ hunting techniques such as stalking, pouncing
and chasing. Not all carnivores are meat eaters however.
Some have diets consisting of carrion, fruit, or insects.
Still other species are omnivorous. The environments
inhabited by Carnivora include terrestrial, aquatic
and semi-aquatic. Many of the Carnivora can climb trees
and two species have prehensile tails.
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