What is the defining specialized tooth structure characteristic of the Order Carnivora?
Answer
Carnassial pair
The Order Carnivora is united by the presence of the carnassial pair—modified premolars and molars that function like scissors to shear flesh.
Related Questions
To which family does the African civet (*Civettictis civetta*) belong?The Viverridae family, which includes the African civet, is classified under which suborder of carnivorans?What aromatic substance, historically valued in perfumery, is produced by the African civet's specialized musk gland?Due to its varied consumption of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates, what is the African civet's dietary classification?What is the defining specialized tooth structure characteristic of the Order Carnivora?How does the typical social structure of the African civet contrast with that of mongooses (Herpestidae)?Relative to highly derived Feliformia families like modern cats, the Viverridae family often represents which evolutionary point?Which physical characteristic listed helps distinguish the African civet from true cats (Felidae)?Where are the majority of the African civet's close relatives within the Viverridae family, such as palm civets and binturongs, primarily distributed?What does the comparison between the African civet and creatures in the suborder Caniformia (dogs, bears) fundamentally establish about its evolutionary history?The African civet is the sole representative of which genus within the Viverridae family?