Gnathostomata

Thân thiện

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic superclass comprising all vertebrates with upper and lower jaws: "Gnathostomata" is the scientific name for the major group of jawed vertebrates, which includes all fish with jaws, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. It is a key division in vertebrate taxonomy, contrasting with jawless vertebrates (Agnatha).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The evolution of jaws was a pivotal event, marking the divergence of the Gnathostomata from their jawless ancestors.
  • All familiar vertebrates, from sharks to humans, belong to the superclass Gnathostomata.

Advanced Usage

• In phylogenetic context: The term is used to discuss evolutionary relationships and cladistics.
  • The monophyly of Gnathostomata is strongly supported by both morphological and molecular data.

Variants and Related Words

• Gnathostome (n): A member of the Gnathostomata; any jawed vertebrate.
  • The fossil record provides clues about the earliest gnathostomes.

Synonyms

• Jawed vertebrates: A descriptive, non-taxonomic synonym for the members of this group.

Học thuật

Noun

1. comprising all vertebrates with upper and lower jaws

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Gnathostomata
• superclass Gnathostomata