Caniformia

Wolf

The canids ( Canoidea, sometimes Caniformia ) are a superfamily within the order Carnivora ( carnivores ). They usually have a pointed snout and often toe-walker whose claws can not be move (as opposed to its sister group, the felines ( Feloidea ) ). The seals evolved from canine ancestors and are therefore assigned to its three families of this group.

System

The canines are divided into the following families:

• Dogs ( Canidae )
• Bears ( Ursidae )
• Walruses ( Odobenidae )
• Eared seals ( Otariidae )
• Dog Robben ( Phocidae )
• Red pandas ( Ailuridae )
• Skunks or polecats ( Mephitidae )
• Small bear ( Procyonidae )
• Martens ( Mustelidae )

Two other families who Amphicyonidae and Hemicyonidae have become extinct in the Miocene.

Phylogeny

The probable family relations shown in the following diagram:

Dogs ( Canidae )

Bears ( Ursidae )

Dog Robben ( Phocidae )

Eared seals ( Otariidae )

Walruses ( Odobenidae )

Red pandas ( Ailuridae )

Skunks or polecats ( Mephitidae )

Small bear ( Procyonidae )

Martens ( Mustelidae )