Classification
Common name
American Marten
King Fisher
Scientific Name
Martes pennanti
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Subphyla: Vertebrata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Mustelidae
Genus Martes
Species Martes pennanti
This kingdom is classified by many characteristics that differ from the other kingdoms. All animals or eukaryotic as they are in the domain Eukarya, most are multicellular and they are heterotrophic. Heterotrophic means that they are unable to produce their own food and must depend on other organisms to provide them with the nutrients they need to survive. All animals lack cell walls which gives them the ability to be motile. Most are motile at least in one stage of their life cycle.
The
The Chordata, a phylum within the kingdom Animalia, is a group that contains both vertebrates and invertebrates. Several characteristics that Chordates posses at some time during their life time include: a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle (the precursor to the thyroid gland) and a post-anal tail.
The Mammalia are vertebrate animals characterized by sweat glands, hair, three middle ear bones, and a neocortex. Most of the animals in the Mammalia class give birth to the to live offspring with the acceptation of the monotreme who lay eggs instead.
From the Latin words Caro “flesh” and vorare “to devour”, this order refers to any carnivores that are also mammalias. The term carnivores simply means to eat meat and there for it refers to any animal that eats meat. Animals in this order are properly called carnivorans. This order is adapted to being able to catch and eat their prey. They have developed teeth and claws that are specially formed to eat meat. Another characteristic that makes carnivorans great hunters is the fact that their eyes point forward and not to the side.
Most notably recognized as the weasel family, most of the organisms in the family are small, with short legs and thick fur. Most are also solitary, are active during the night (nocturnal) and are active year-round.
The genus Martes is given to all species that fit all of the above criteria.
The American Marten is a medium sized weasel that grows to weigh between 4-15 lbs. and 29-47 inches in length. The smaller sizes are because the females tend to be half of the size of the males. Their coats are a dark brown with black legs and tail.
Supporting Website
Interesting Quotes About Martens:
“Never Look A Gift Marten In The Mouth”
“The Marten Is A Man’s Best Friend”