Efficient locomotion: Carnivorans demonstrated greater agility and dexterity compared to mesonychia and creodonta. Their limbs were modified for cursorial locomotion, enabling them to run faster and chase down prey effectively. Moreover, carnivorans had retractable claws that enhanced their climbing abilities and overall mobility.
Social behaviour: Certain carnivoran species developed social structures and hunting strategies that further improved their hunting success. Cooperation within social groups allowed them to take down larger prey, increasing their food resources and survival chances.
Adaptive evolution: Carnivora exhibited greater evolutionary plasticity and adaptability to diverse environments compared to mesonychia and creodonta. They diversified into various ecological niches, including terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and arboreal habitats, allowing them to exploit a wider range of resources and escape competition.
Extinction events: Mesonychia and creodonta faced extinction events during the Eocene-Oligocene boundary and the Eocene-Miocene transition, respectively. These events created ecological opportunities for carnivora to expand and fill the vacant niches left by their competitors.