Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Mammalia > Order: Rodentia Rodents are the largest order of mammals, accounting for roughly 40% of all living mammal species. They occur on every continent except Antarctica and occupy a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to deserts and wetlands. They are characterised by a single … Continue reading "Order Rodentia — Rodents"
Read MoreCategory: Beasts
Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles & a few Fish
Phylum Chordata – Vertebrates & Relatives
Chordates are animals that at some stage in their life cycle possess a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, gill slits, and a post‑anal tail. This phylum includes all vertebrates as well as two smaller groups: tunicates and lancelets. Chordates range from simple filter‑feeding marine animals to the most complex land vertebrates, including humans. Subdivision of … Continue reading "Phylum Chordata – Vertebrates & Relatives"
Read MoreKingdom Animalia
Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic organisms (must eat organic material) that develop from embryos and show a wide range of body forms, behaviours, and ecological roles. The animal kingdom includes everything from simple sponges to complex vertebrates such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. Historically, animals were often divided into “vertebrates” and “invertebrates”, but modern … Continue reading "Kingdom Animalia"
Read MoreOrder Artiodactyla – Even-toed Ungulates and Cetaceans
Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Mammalia > Order: Artiodactyla Artiodactyla is an order that includes the even‑toed hoofed mammals as well as whales and dolphins. Most terrestrial members walk on two main toes and are plant‑eaters with specialised digestive systems, while the cetaceans are fully aquatic and adapted for life in water. Modern … Continue reading "Order Artiodactyla – Even-toed Ungulates and Cetaceans"
Read MoreBeasts
Mammals The fox snoozing in my garden was a real lucky shot. Moose (elk) are quite common in Norway but I had never seen one until my summer holiday in Norway with the boys in 2010. Since then I have seen a few more culminating with some really close views during my Yellowstone trip. Most … Continue reading "Beasts"
Read MoreOrder Carnivora — Carnivores
Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Mammalia > Order: Carnivora Carnivores are mammals adapted to feeding mainly on other animals, with strong jaws and specialised teeth for cutting meat. Many species are strictly carnivorous, while others are more omnivorous and will also eat fruit or other plant material. The order includes a wide range … Continue reading "Order Carnivora — Carnivores"
Read MoreClass Mammalia — Mammals
Mammals are warm‑blooded animals with hair or fur that suckle their young. They first appeared over 200 million years ago and became the dominant land vertebrates after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Living mammals are divided into two subclasses: Prototheria and Theria. Prototherians include the egg-laying monotremes. Therians give birth to live young and are further … Continue reading "Class Mammalia — Mammals"
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