CARNIVORA. 



53* 



adapted Tor dividing flesh. A varying number, however, of 

 the molars and praemolars may be " tuberculate," their crowns 

 being adapted for bruising rather than cutting. 



In all the Carnivora the clavicles are either altogether want- 

 ing, or are quite rudimentary. The toes are provided with 

 sharp curved claws. The teats are abdominal; and the pla- 

 centa is deciduate and zonular. 



The order Carnivora is divided into three very natural 

 sections : 



Section I. Pinnigrada or Pinnipedia. This section com- 

 prises the Seals and Walruses, in which the fore and hind 

 limbs are short, and are expanded into broad webbed swim- 

 ming-paddles (fig. 203, B.) The hind-feet are placed very 

 far back, nearly in a line with the axis of the body, and they 

 are more or less tied down to the tail by the integuments. 



Section II. Plantigrada. This section comprises the Bears 

 and their allies, in which the whole, or nearly the whole, of the 

 foot is applied to the ground, so that the animal walks upon 

 the soles of the feet (fig. 203, A.) 



Section III. Digitigrada. This section comprises the Lions, 

 Tigers, Cats, Dogs, &c., in which the heel of the foot is raised 

 entirely off the ground, and the animal walks upon the tips of 

 the toes (fig. 203, C.) 



Fig. 203. Feet of Carnivora (after Owen). A, Plantigrada, Foot of Bear; 

 B, Pinnigrada, Hind-feet of Seal ; C, Digitigrada, Foot of Lion. 



SECTION I. PINNIGRADA or PINNIPEDIA. This section of 

 the Carnivora comprises the amphibious Seals and Walruses, 

 which differ from the typical Carnivores merely in points con- 

 nected with their semi-aquatic mode of life. The body in 



