Biology · The Living World

Cats (Felis) and Dogs (Canis) are placed in two different families, Felidae and Canidae, respectively. However, both these families are grouped under the same higher category, Order Carnivora. What is the fundamental basis for this placement?

1. Shared common characters in carnivorous traits and morphology, though fewer than shared within a family.
2. Presence of identical specific epithets in both groups.
3. Equal number of common characteristics as present at the species level.
4. Complete identity in vegetative and reproductive features.