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CARNIVORE ZOOLOGY - BEN219

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
Statement of Attainment

 

Study Carnivorous Animals - their Anatomy, Physiology and Behaviour.

Explore the taxonomic order Carnivora!

 

  • Understand the biological differences between the various species of carnivores.

  • Designed and written by animal scientists and zoologists from the UK, Australia and America.

  • Unlimited support from university qualified tutors with decades of experience working with carnivores on every continent.

  • A great foundation for anyone starting a career

  • Study for professional development, and an opportunity to further your career.


This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success. 

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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

  • Discuss the characteristics, classification and significance of carnivorous animals to man, ecosystems and environments.

  • Describe anatomical and physiological features of carnivores, which differentiate carnivores from other types of mammals.

  • Explain carnivore behaviour.

  • Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Canidae.

  • Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Felidae.

  • Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Ursidae.

  • Differentiate different types of canine animals that are aquatic.

  • Differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Mustelidae and Mephitidae.

  • 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:

  • Most have teeth modified for eating meat (with some variations).

  • Their skulls are varied but generally have a relatively large brain case.

  • Their brains are relatively large, and they are intelligent.

  • Most have well developed senses.

  • Their stomachs are always simple.

  • They have a thick coat of hair - varied in colour.

  • Most are medium sized animals - the smallest is a weasel around 35 gm, and largest are elephant seals weighing up to 3,600 kg. 

  • Males are commonly larger than females.

  • They are relatively long lived animals (most to 10 years or more).

  • Many are the top predators in their ecosystems.


Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time. 

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!

 

Enrolling is easy - just go to the top of this page and select your study method and payment option.

If you have any questions about studying with ACS, or want to know more about any of our courses, get in touch with our specialist tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to fit in with your goals.
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.
Marius Erasmus Subsequent to completing a BSc (Agric) degree in animal science, Marius completed an honours degree in wildlife management, and a masters degree in production animal physiology. Following the Masters degree, he has worked for 9 years in the UK, and South Africa in wildlife management, dairy, beef and poultry farming.


Check out our eBooks

Animal PsychologyExplore how animals think and comare how this differs between different animals (and humans)
Working with AnimalsIf you enjoy interacting with animals, are interested in biological science, or are passionate about wildlife, pets or farming; you may thrive in the type of jobs outlined in this book. Get to know more about the industries and the occupations that you could do. The Working with Animals ebook is a comprehensive catalogue to inspire you in your career in working with animals!
Carnivore AnimalsLearn about mammals of the Order Carnivora which includes such animals as dogs, wolves, bears, racoons, cats, weasels, hyenas, seals, sea lions and walruses. This book covers an array of facts about the biological characteristics of different groups of carnivores. Learn about the anatomy, habitat, behaviour, physiology, diet and reproduction of different carnivores. The eBook also covers the relationships between humans and carnivores, both in the context of managing domestic and wild carnivores.
Getting Work in a Modern WorldGetting Work in a Modern World is a must read; for students, parents, the unemployed, careers advisors or anyone interested in changing or forging a sustainable career. This is realistic guide to getting a job or starting out in business and understanding different industries. Topics covered in this book include 1/Career Myths, 2/ Finding Your Path, 3/ Understanding Employers, 4/ Preparing for a Job, 5/ Jobs to Consider: Looking to the Future, 6/ Information Technology, 7/ Business, Management and Sales, 8/ Health and Wellbeing, 9/ Horticulture, 10/ Wildlife and Environmental, 11/ Animal Care, 12/ Agriculture, 13/ Hospitality and Tourism, 14/ Media and 15/ Education.