Beyond diet, what anatomical basis defines the Order Carnivora for the wolf?

A shared structure in the teeth designed for shearing flesh.

While many members of the Order Carnivora consume meat, the classification itself is rooted in comparative anatomy, particularly the specialized dentition possessed by the group. This includes highly developed carnassial teeth, which function like scissors or shears to cut and shear flesh efficiently. This specific anatomical arrangement, rather than current dietary habits, dictates inclusion in Carnivora, connecting the wolf through evolutionary structure to other members of that order, even those that may have become primarily herbivorous or omnivorous over time.