1. *Latin word carne = "flesh“
vorare = "to devour“
*12 families
260 species
*meat-eaters
but some actually don’t
*synapomorphy
canines
possession of carnassial teeth
2. *molar and premolar teeth
first lower molar (M1)
fourth upper premolars (P4)
-carnassial pair
*modified for shearing and shredding flesh
sharp cutting edges
scissor-like motion
*diphyodont
two successive sets of teeth
4. *auditory bullae
double-chambered
two bones joined by a septum
*shorter rostrums
fewer teeth
more specialized carnassials
*digitigrade (walking on toes)
*retractile to semi-retractile claws
*more carnivorous and ambush hunter
double-chambered
septum
digitigrade
retractile claws