The word "carnivora" is spelled as /kɑːˈnɪvərə/, where the stress is on the second syllable. The suffix "-vora" is derived from the Latin verb "vorare", meaning "to devour." The prefix "carni-" comes from the Latin word "caro," which means "flesh." Put together, "carnivora" refers to a group of mammals, such as lions and wolves, that primarily eat meat. Paying attention to the IPA phonetic transcription can help ensure correct pronunciation and spelling of the word.
Carnivora refers to a diverse order of mammals primarily characterized by their diet, which consists primarily or exclusively of meat. It is a taxonomic order that includes a wide variety of mammalian species, such as wolves, lions, tigers, bears, hyenas, and seals.
The term Carnivora derives from Latin, with 'carnis' meaning meat and 'vorō' meaning to devour. This order of mammals is known for possessing certain anatomical and physiological features that enable them to efficiently capture, kill, and consume prey. Some of the key characteristics of Carnivora include sharp and pointed teeth adapted for tearing flesh, powerful jaws, and well-developed sensory organs to locate and track prey.
Carnivora encompasses a broad range of body sizes, from small carnivores like weasels to much larger ones like grizzly bears or killer whales. They inhabit various habitats, including terrestrial, aquatic, and arboreal environments, distributed across different regions of the globe. While traditionally classified as obligate meat-eaters, some species in the Carnivora order exhibit dietary flexibility and may include plant matter or other food sources in their diet.
Due to their ecological role as top predators, Carnivora species play a significant role in maintaining the balance and functioning of their respective ecosystems, often controlling the population of herbivorous prey species. This order consists of approximately 300 species, and while some are highly adaptable and flourishing, others face threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflicts.
Flesh-eating animals.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Carnivora" is derived from Latin. It combines two Latin terms: "carnis", which means "flesh" or "meat", and "vorare", which means "to devour" or "to eat". Therefore, "Carnivora" literally translates to "meat-eater" or "flesh-devourer". This term was given to the order of mammals that includes carnivorous animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and wolves.