What family does the wolverine (*Gulo gulo*) belong to, despite its "skunk bear" nickname?
Answer
Mustelidae
The wolverine is scientifically classified within the Mustelidae family, which encompasses weasels, otters, mink, and fishers. This classification is crucial because, despite sharing a stout build and dark appearance that earned it the nickname "skunk bear," it is evolutionarily related to these smaller, tenacious animals rather than true bears (Ursidae). Within the Mustelidae family, the wolverine holds the distinction of being the largest land-dwelling species.
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