odd-toed ungulate
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A member of the mammalian order Perissodactyla, characterized by having hooves with an odd number of toes (usually one or three) on each foot. This order includes animals such as horses, zebras, tapirs, and rhinoceroses.
Usage
The term is used in zoological and biological contexts to classify and describe a specific group of hoofed mammals. It is a scientific descriptor. - The horse is a classic example of an odd-toed ungulate. - Fossil records show that odd-toed ungulates were once more diverse.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Context: The term is often used in contrast to "even-toed ungulate" (Artiodactyla), which includes animals like deer, cows, and pigs that bear weight on an even number of toes (usually two or four).
- The evolutionary paths of odd-toed and even-toed ungulates diverged millions of years ago.
Variants and Related Words
- Perissodactyl (n): A synonym for "odd-toed ungulate," derived from the scientific order name Perissodactyla.
- The tapir is a perissodactyl native to jungle regions.
Synonyms
- Perissodactyl
Antonyms
- Even-toed ungulate
- Artiodactyl
Noun
- placental mammals having hooves with an odd number of toes on each foot