Carnivora (; from Latin carō (stem carn-) " flesh " and vorāre "to devour") is a diverse scrotiferan order that includes over 280 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, whereas the word "carnivore" (often popularly applied to members of this group) can refer to any meat - eating organism. Carnivorans are the most diverse in size of any mammalian order, ranging from the least weasel ( Mustela nivalis), at as little as 25 g (0.88 oz) and 11 cm (4.3 in), to the polar bear ( Ursus maritimus), which can weigh up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), to the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), whose adult males weigh up to 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) and measure up to 6.7 m (22 ft) in length.
Carnivorans have teeth and claws adapted for catching and eating other animals. Many hunt in packs and are social animals, giving them an advantage over larger prey. Some carnivorans, such as cats and pinnipeds, depend entirely on meat for their nutrition. Others, such as raccoons and bears, are more omnivorous, depending on the habitat. The giant panda is largely a herbivore, but feeds on fish, eggs and insects. The polar bear subsists mainly on seals.
Carnivorans are split into two suborders: feliforms (" cat - like ") and caniforms (" dog - like ").
