The Predatory Squad unites representatives of the Mammals class, who eat mostly animal food. Wolf and fox, tiger and lion, marten and badger - these animals are known to everyone. This is not surprising, because the Predators adapted to live on all continents, except the coldest - Antarctica. Let us briefly consider what information about these animals has collected to date, biology.
Predatory Squad
First of all, they are united by the nature of food. She is not just of animal origin. All representatives of the Predatory unit themselves attack their victims, killing them. Some of them feed on carrion, thereby cleaning their habitats from rotting organic residues.
The main characteristic of the Predatory detachment is connected precisely with the structural features that allow them to hunt. Therefore, they all have a developed brain, a strong trained body, and well-developed differentiated teeth. The fangs with which they grab and tear prey stand out especially. On each side, one molar is modified into the so-called predators. With their help, it is even possible to crush large bones and break powerful tendons - it is so sharp.
A highly developed nervous system, especially the brain, is also distinguished from other mammals of the Carnivores. This leads to complex behaviors of these animals.
Predatory are quite diverse and have about 240 species. Therefore, in this unit there are a number of families.
Wolf family
Describing the order Carnivores (mammals), they primarily mention a family that got its name thanks to the indefatigable orderly of the forest. We are talking about the wolf and its relatives: fox, jackal, arctic fox, raccoon and domestic dogs.
All of them are medium in size and have fairly long limbs. The structure of the musculoskeletal system and muscle system allows them to pursue their future prey for a long and tireless.
The most powerful and agile among the representatives of this group is the wolf. Animals prefer to live in large flocks, the number of individuals in which reaches forty. Wolves are not only wonderful hunters, but also dangerous predators that can even attack humans. They are rightfully considered to be the orderlies of the forests, eating a large number of carrion.
But the fox can eat not only animal food. Her favorite treat is the sweet and juicy fruits of forest plants. Foxes live in pairs or entire families. Man especially appreciates the beautiful, warm and fluffy fur of these animals.
Feline family
We continue to study the Predatory squad on the example of ... a domestic cat. What kind of predator is this? The real one! His ancestor is a wild forest cat. And modern pets are the result of their domestication.
Basically, the representatives of the Feline family are united by large body sizes with elongated limbs, which end with retractable sharp claws. Did everyone see a cat chasing a mouse? She does not catch up, but watches over her prey. The same behavior is characteristic of larger felids: tiger, lynx, and lion.
Most representatives of this family live in the tropical and subtropical climatic zones of our planet. But the Amur tiger is the owner of the taiga of the Far East. This is one of the largest predators, second only to the polar bear in mass. Within the boundaries of its range, it always occupies a dominant position. This also applies to links in food chains, since tigers prey on other predators, such as wolves.
The wonders of selection
Since the lion and tiger are the most prominent representatives of the entire animal world of the planet, geneticists have tried to create their hybrids. This experiment was completed quite successfully, as the result of crossing was viable individuals with new properties compared to the original forms. So, a liger is a hybrid of a lion and a tigress, capable of unlimited growth. In nature, this trait is characteristic of plants and fungi. Liger grows throughout life, sometimes reaching a length of up to 3 meters.
Usually interspecific hybrids are not able to produce prolific offspring. Tigrolev is an exception to this rule. This is practically the only case in breeding. Females obtained by crossing a tiger and a lioness are capable of procreation.
Kunyi family
We continue to consider the order of Carnivorous mammals on the example of a family combining individuals with valuable fur. Otter, marten, ermine, mink, ferret - this is not a complete list of representatives of the Kunya family. Many of them climb trees beautifully, and otters are excellent swimmers. Another representative of martyrs is the badger. He especially appreciates meat, which is eaten, and fat, which has healing properties.
Bear family
Predatory squad mastered all climatic zones. Its representatives can be found even in the cold expanses of the Arctic. It is there that the largest representative of predatory mammals lives - the polar bear, whose mass can reach 750 kg. He swims perfectly, hunting for fish and pinnipeds.
But in the forests, the Predatory unit represents another beast - a brown bear. He can eat both plant and animal food, attacking deer or wild boars. In winter, this species of bears hibernates, and in summer leads an active lifestyle. It is an object of hunting due to its valuable meat and skin.
The Predatory order includes a number of families of the class Mammals, in the diet of which animal food predominates. These animals have well-developed sharp teeth for hunting. Many species are valued by humans because of the valuable fur, meat and fat. Therefore, at present, many species of predatory mammals need protection.