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Carnivora: Systematics
Traditionally, the Carnivora have been classified in two suborders: the Pinnipedia, which includes the seals and sea lions, and the Fissipedia, which includes all land-dwelling carnivores. Defined in this way, however, the Fissipedia is paraphyletic, since pinnipeds evolved from an arctoid (bear-like) land-living ancestor. Therefore the Fissipedia is not considered a valid taxon. Some scientists treat the Pinnipedia as a separate order from the Carnivora, while others include them in the Carnivora. This is the approach that will be used here. Exactly how the various carnivores are interrelated is a problem that has not been solved to the satisfaction of all. A generally accepted classification of the Carnivora is as follows: |
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CARNIVORA
For more information, check out these pages on different groups of carnivores and on efforts to conserve them. |