'268 



visional yolk-sac placenta (in Insectivora, Rodentia, Cheiroptera, 

 etc.). Gestation period considerable ; young, when born, able to 

 suck. Without a marsupium or pouch. 



NOTE. For Orders* " Edentata," Effodientia, and Insectivora 

 see Classification, pages 261, 262. 



Order Carnivora. 



Indicate some of the Special Features of the Carnivora. 



Most are carnivorous, preying upon other animals. The manus 

 and pes have at least four digits, with well developed claws, which 

 in some forms (e.g., the Felidae) are retractile within sheaths. 

 Clavicles incomplete or absent. Teeth heterodont, and with roots. 

 Stomach simple ; caecum small, or absent. A bicornuate uterus. 

 Placenta deciduate. 



The following are special features of the Carnivore skull : 



1. Prominent occipital and sagittal Crests for insertion of powerful 



neck and jaw muscles. 



2. Strong zygomatic arch, widely bent outwards (cf. powerful 



muscles of lower jaw). 



3. Glenoid fossa deep, and with a prominent post glenoid process, 



which prevents slipping of the lower jaw when prey is 

 seized. 



4. Large rounded tympanic bllllae (flattened in the Bear tribe). 



5. An ossified tentorium, a vertical projection of dura mater 



which descends between cerebrum and cerebellum. 



6. Large canine teeth. 



7. Specialised carnassial or sectorial teeth, for breaking and 



stripping fresh bone. (The last premolars of upper jaw, 

 and first molars of lower jaw in the Canidae.) 



Mention some Examples of (1) Cat-like, (2) Dog-like, and (3) Bear-like 

 Carnivores, and give their Dental Formulae and Distribution. 



1. Cat (Felis). 



Lion (Felis). Africa, N.-W. India, W. Asia. 

 Tiger (Felis). Asia, Java, Sumatra. 

 Leopard (Felis). Africa, Asia, Ceylon, Java, 



3131 

 3l2T 



Sumatra, Borneo. 



Puma or Couguar ( Felis). N. and S. America. 

 Jaguar (Felis). N. and S. America. 

 Civet ( Viverra). Africa and India. 

 Mongoose (Herpestes). Spain, Africa, India. 



Hyaena ( Hyaena). Africa and Asia. Dentition, ~ 



olol 



