Discover the evolution, biology and behaviour of carnivorous animals!
The mammalian order, Carnivora, comprises of animals which preference a meat-based diet.
This course explores all animals carnivore! What sets this group of animals apart from others?
Student will obtain fundamental knowledge on taxonomy, anatomy, behaviour and more.
The Carnivore Zoology course is an insightful reference course providing a vast knowledge about these fascinating animals. It is aimed at students with a keen interest in carnivores or, equally, for those interested in animals in general and wanting to specialise.
Course Structure and Content
This course has 9 lessons:
1. Taxonomy and Evolution
- Distinguishing characteristics of carnivores
- Principles of taxonomy
- Modern science changes to taxonomy
- Carnivore classification - 12 families
- Case study - polar bear
- Carnivore evolution
2. Carnivore Biology
- Introduction
- Musculoskeletal system
- Types of joints
- Types of muscles
- Digestive system
- Excretory system - skin, kidneys, liver
- Endocrine system
- Nervous system
- Reproductive system
- Case study - Domestic cat
- Respiratory system
- Anatomical adaptations for feeding
- Locomotion
- Camouflage
- Sight
3. Carnivore Behaviour
- Kinds of behaviour - reactive, active, cognitive
- Learned behaviour - classical conditioning, operant conditioning
- Physiology and behaviour
- Senses
- Range and distribution
- Ecology
- Longevity
- Reproduction
- Predation
- Pathogens and parasites
- Sustainable management
- Mating and sexual behaviour
- Social behaviours
- Hunting behaviours
- Territories
4. Canines
- Introduction
- Atelocynus (Short-eared dog)
- Canis (Dogs, Wolves and Foxes)
- Cerdocyon (Crab-eating fox)
- Chrysocyon (Maned wolf)
- Cuon (Dhole)
- Dusicyon (Falkland Islands wolf)
- Lycalopex (Culpeo, Fox)
- Lycaon (African wild dog)
- Nyctereutes (Raccoon dog)
- Otocyon (Bat-eared fox)
- Vulpes (Fox)
5. Felines
- Subfamilies
- Anatomy
- Digestive system
- Panthera (Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Jaguar)
- Neofelis (Clouded leopard)
- Pardofelis (Marbled cat)
- Felis (Cat)
- Prionailurus (Fishing cat)
- Leopardus (Andean mountain cat)
- Case study - Tiger
6. Bears
- Introduction
- Anatomy
- Dentition
- Lifespan
- Hibernation
- Mating and reproduction
- Living genera and species
- Ursus
- Helarctos (Sun bear)
- Melursus (Sloth bear)
- Tremarctos (Andean bear, Spectacled bear)
- Ailuropoda (Giant panda)
- Case study - Giant panda
7. Aquatic Carnivores
- Introduction
- Odobenidae (Walrus)
- Phocidae (true, earless, or hair seals)
- Otariidae (eared seals) (fur seals, sea lions)
- Case study - Walrus conservation
8. Mustalids
- Introduction
- Mustelidae family - Weasels, Badgers, Otters
- Taxidea (American badger)
- Mellivora (Honey badger)
- Arctonyx
- Meles (Badgers)
- Eira (Tayra)
- Gulo (Wolverine)
- Martes (Martens and Fishers)
- Melogale (Ferret badgers)
- Iconyx (Striped polecat)
- Lontra (New world otters)
- Enhydra (Sea otters)
- Lutra (Old world otters)
- Mustella - Weasels, European Mink, Ferrets, Stoats and polecats
- Others
- Mephitdae family - Skunks
9. Other Carnivores
- Introduction
- Procyonidae (Raccoons)
- Ailuridae (Lesser panda)
- Viverridae (Civets, genets)
- Herpestidae (Mongooses - often considered part of Viverridae)
- Hyaenidae (Hyenas, Aardwolf)
Course Duration - 100 hours of self-paced study.
Aims
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Discuss the characteristics, classification and significance of carnivorous animals to man, ecosystems and environments.
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Describe anatomical and physiological features of carnivores, which differentiate carnivores from other types of mammals.
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Explain carnivore behaviour.
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Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Canidae.
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Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Felidae.
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Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Ursidae.
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Differentiate different types of canine animals that are aquatic.
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Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Mustelidae and Mephitidae.
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Differentiate different types of animals belonging to other taxonomic families.
What makes a carnivore?
The word carnivore means "meat eater", and most carnivores do eat meat, while some do not. The following are characteristics that are applied to carnivores:
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Most have teeth modified for eating meat (with some variations).
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Their skulls are varied but generally have a relatively large brain case.
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Their brains are relatively large, and they are intelligent.
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Most have well developed senses.
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Their stomachs are always simple.
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They have a thick coat of hair - varied in colour.
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Most are medium sized animals - the smallest is a weasel around 35 gm, and largest are elephant seals weighing up to 3,600 kg.
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Males are commonly larger than females.
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They are relatively long lived animals (most to 10 years or more).
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Many are the top predators in their ecosystems.
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