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Classification
|
Classification |
Characteristics |
|
Domain: Eukarya |
True membrane bound organelles and
nucleus. |
|
Kingdom: Animalia |
Multicellularity
Lack cell walls
Heterotrophic |
|
Phylum: Chordata |
Notochord, a postanal tail, pharyngeal
pouches, endostyle, and a dorsal
nerve cord are displayed at some
point during their life time along
with motility |
|
Class: Mammalia |
Mammary glands, salivary glands, and hair
Giving parental care to newborns |
|
Order: Carnivora |
Feed primarily on freshly killed prey
Have canine teeth (rooted) and clawed
digits |
|
Family: Mustelidae |
Small to medium sized Carnivores, long
tubular shape, short limbs, and also
fast hunters |
|
Genus Species:
Mustela nivalis |
Feed mostly on rodents and insects
Smallest Carnivore
Do not hibernate |
The common name for Mustela nivalis is the Least Weasel.
Mustela is defined as "one who carries off mice." After learning more about the Least Weasel, you will understand why Mustela fits them just right.
This Phylogenetic Tree was created based off
morphological features. It includes all aspects of life and is a
broad representation of life on Earth. The Least Weasel falls under
the Animal category based on its features like motility, tail, and
notochord. Molecular data differentiates the three domains,
Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
Information included in the Phylogenetic Tree was found at
http://www.uwyo.edu/dbmcd/molmark/lect11/lect11.html
Below is a family tree featuring the Family Mustelidae. Note the physical similarities you may have noticed between the organisms found in the subfamilies of the family Mustelidae. This tree is based off morphological data and represents the organisms that are known for long slender bodies and short limbs. All of the organisms classified below are considered Carnivores, meaning they feed on other organisms.
Information was based off the Phylogenetic Tree
found at
www.texasferret.org/
Weasels are most closely related to the Short-Tailed Weasel and the Long-Tailed Weasel. These weasels are even sometimes hard to tell apart.
The weasel shares some similarities with domestic dogs and cats both categorized as Carnivores.
Check out the Weasel's cousins below
Badger , Sea Otter, and Martens
Follow the weasel's tracks to his den!