subclass Metatheria
Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic subclass of mammals: "Subclass Metatheria" is a scientific classification for a group of mammals, primarily characterized by giving birth to relatively undeveloped live young that typically complete their development in a maternal pouch.
- Pouched animals: This term is synonymous with marsupials, a group whose most distinguishing feature is the presence of a pouch (marsupium) in the female for carrying and nursing the young.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Kangaroos and koalas belong to the subclass Metatheria.
- The fossil record provides evidence for the early evolution of the subclass Metatheria.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic hierarchy: Used in biological classification above the infraclass level. It is often contrasted with other subclasses like Prototheria (monotremes) and Eutheria (placental mammals).
- The subclass Metatheria, Eutheria, and Prototheria represent the three main lineages of extant mammals.
Variants and Related Words
- Metatherian (adj/n): Relating to or a member of the subclass Metatheria.
- Metatherian mammals have a unique reproductive system.
- Marsupial (n/adj): The common name for members of this subclass; an animal of the infraclass Marsupialia within Metatheria.
- The opossum is a well-known marsupial.
Synonyms
- Marsupials: The most common synonym, referring to the same group of animals.
- Pouched mammals: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the defining anatomical feature.
Related Phrases / Compound Terms
- Metatherian mammal: A mammal belonging to the subclass Metatheria.
- The discovery of a new metatherian mammal fossil excited paleontologists.
Noun
-
pouched animals
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