Glossary
Taxonomy
Hierarchical classification of organisms.
Digitigrade
Walking or bearing weight on toes.
Digitigrade describes the orientation or progression of animals bearing weight on the plantar surface of the phalangeal region.
Only digits (toes) make contact with the ground.
Digitigrade describes the orientation or progression of animals bearing weight on the plantar surface of the phalangeal region.
Only digits (toes) make contact with the ground.
Protractile Claw
Claw that can be protracted (extended) from its protective sheath.
Cats’ claws are protractile, but often (incorrectly) described as retractile. At rest, the claw is retracted; muscular action (contraction) protracts the claw out of the sheath, rather than retracts it in.
Cats’ claws are protractile, but often (incorrectly) described as retractile. At rest, the claw is retracted; muscular action (contraction) protracts the claw out of the sheath, rather than retracts it in.
Tiger (Panthera tigris)
Lion (Panthera leo)
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Canidae
The taxonomic family of the dogs. Members of the dog family are known as
canids.
Canids are divided into two tribes: Canini (dog-like and wolf-like species) and Vulpini (foxes).
Canids are divided into two tribes: Canini (dog-like and wolf-like species) and Vulpini (foxes).