Definition

Noun: - A major taxonomic subclass within the class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes), comprising a large and diverse group of bony fishes. This group includes the vast majority of living fish species, characterized by a completely bony skeleton and specific structural features in the jaw and tail.

Usage

The term is used in scientific classification (taxonomy) and ichthyology (the study of fish) to refer to this specific, dominant group of bony fishes. - The subclass Teleostei represents over 96% of all extant fish species. - In their research, they focused on the evolutionary history of the subclass Teleostei.

Advanced Usage

• Phylogenetic Context: The term is used when discussing evolutionary relationships, often noting Teleostei as a crown group within ray-finned fishes.
  • The radiation of the subclass Teleostei is a key event in vertebrate evolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Teleost (noun/adjective): A member of the subclass Teleostei; of or relating to this subclass.
  • The perch is a common teleost.
  • They studied teleost anatomy.

Synonyms

• Teleost fish (general synonym)
• Advanced bony fishes (descriptive synonym in evolutionary contexts)

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Actinopterygii: The class containing the subclass Teleostei.
• Holostei: The other primary subclass of bony ray-finned fishes, which is less diverse and considered more primitive than Teleostei.

Noun

1. large diverse group of bony fishes; includes most living species