270 



HOW DO WE CLASSIFY ANIMALS? 



are the common Virginia deer of the Eastern states, and the 

 moose and antelope. The bison, or buffalo, is closely related 

 to the deer. Formerly bisons existed in enormous numbers on 

 our Western plains. They are now almost extinct. 



Primates. Man is placed in the highest order of mammals, the 

 primates, because he walks upright and the fore appendages 

 (arm) are each provided with hands for grasping. Nails instead 

 of claws are present. The primates have the same characteristics 

 as other mammals, but may be said to be superior to them in 

 having a more highly developed brain and nervous system. 



Practical Exercise 21. Name a common example of each order of mammals 

 found in your locality. What are the chief characteristics of the carnivora? 



CetcxCea 



Cfeiroptera 



Ccti^mvorar 



Sirema 



5?octentia_/ \_ 



T <C£> UJ 



Insectivom 



XCndLclcita 



*■ - C_ 



Order 1. Edentata. Toothless or with very simple teeth. Examples: anteater, sloth, 



armadillo. 

 Order 2. Cetacea. Adapted to marine life. Examples: whale, porpoise. 

 Order 3. Sirenia. Fishlike in form; pectoral limbs paddle-like. Examples: manatee, 



dugong. 

 Order 4. Rodentia. Incisor teeth chisel-shaped, usually two above and two below. Ex- 

 amples : beaver, rat, porcupine, rabbit, squirrel. 

 Order 5. Ungulata. Hoofs ; teeth adapted for grinding. Examples : (a) odd-toed : horse, 



rhinoceros, tapir ; (6) even-toed : ox, pig, sheep, deer. 

 Order 6. Insectivora. Small, insect-eating, furry or spiny covered; long snout. Example: 



mole. 

 Order 7. Carnivora. Long canine teeth, sharp and long claws. Examples: dog, cat, lion, 



bear, seal, and sea lion. 

 Order 8. Chiroptera. Fore limbs adapted to flight, teeth pointed. Example: bat. 

 Order 9. Primates. Erect or nearly so, fore appendage provided with hand having nails. 



Examples : monkey, ape. Anatomically, man is placed with this group of mammals. 



