This order is the result of a great radiation of mammals that ate meat but not all meat eaters are in this order. Carnivores vary greatly in weight and size from less than a pound to nearly two tons. They have four to five digits on each leg or arm.
All carnivores have sharp canine teeth designed for removing flesh from carcasses.
Most have very acute senses. Vision and hearing are excellent in many carnivores, and the sense of smell is often remarkable. Most have relatively large brains and are excellent runners. All carnivores have anal glands which are used to varying degrees. Many species fuse these glands for scent marking.