CLASS MAMMALS. 



355 



The odd-toed ungulates embrace the rhinoceros (three 

 toed) , and the horse, zebra, ass, quagga (one toe) . The 

 functional toe in the horse is the third or middle toe. 

 The splint bones on the side of the lower leg of the horse 

 are remnants of the second and fourth toes, which were 

 functional in the ancestors of the horse. 



351. The Carnivora. Here are included some marine 

 mammals, as the seals, sea-lions, walruses, and a large 

 number of land animals with splendid strength and cun- 

 ning. Their claws and teeth are sharp and curved and 

 adapted to hold and tear flesh. They have jaws very 

 powerful in relation to their size. Chief among these 

 mammals is the cat family, including the lions, tigers, 

 leopards, jaguars, panthers, and all the lesser cats. Others 

 are the dog family, consisting of wolves, foxes, jackals, 

 and dogs of many varieties ; the bear family; the weasel 

 family, minks, otters, badgers, skunks, etc. ; the rac- 

 coons; the hyenas. They have been very successful 

 forms, but for various reasons they are not holding their 

 own against man. Some are being destroyed because 

 they are dangerous to man; others because they attack 

 the animals that man is safeguarding; still others because 

 they have beautiful furs. Some are disappearing 

 incidentally, as the wild animals upon which they habit- 

 ually preyed are disappearing. 



352. The Primates (or Highest Mammals). These are 

 the highest mammals, but there are included in the group 

 some quite lowly animals. There are really at least 

 five grades of these primates to be held in mind by the 

 student : 



i. The lemurs of Africa and Madagascar are small 



