Eutheria
Eutheria
Eutheria (/juːˈθɪəriə/; from Greek εὐ-, eu- "good" or "right" and θηρίον, thēríon "beast") is a clade of mammals that consists of placental mammals plus all mammals closely related to them. They are distinguished from the other two groups of living mammals—marsupials and monotremes—by various features of the feet, ankles, jaws and teeth. One of the major differences is that eutherian young are carried in the womb of their mother until a late stage of development.
Etymology
The term "Eutheria" has come from the Greek words "εὖ" meaning "good" and "θηρίον" meaning "beast". This is often interpreted as a reference to the complex placenta that allows a longer gestation period, leading to well-developed, or "good" young.
Characteristics
Eutherians are characterized by various features of the feet, ankles, jaws and teeth. They have a more complex placenta than marsupials, allowing a longer gestation period and the birth of more fully developed young. The teeth of eutherians are also different from those of marsupials and monotremes, with a precise occlusion between upper and lower teeth, allowing for more efficient chewing of food.
Classification
Eutheria is a clade within the larger group of mammals known as Theria, which also includes marsupials. Within Eutheria, there are several orders, including Primates, Carnivora, Rodentia, and Cetacea, among others.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eutheria
- Wikipedia's article - Eutheria
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