subclass metatheria

Thân thiện

A kangaroo is a well-known member of the subclass Metatheria.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. pouched animals

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Metatheria
• subclass Metatheria