Gnathostomata
Gnathostomata
Gnathostomata (pronounced: nath-oh-stoh-mah-tah) is a taxonomic group within the animal kingdom. The term is derived from the Greek words "gnathos" meaning "jaw" and "stoma" meaning "mouth". This group includes all vertebrates with jaws, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Etymology
The term "Gnathostomata" is derived from the Greek words "gnathos" (γνάθος), meaning "jaw", and "stoma" (στόμα), meaning "mouth". This name is given due to the presence of jaws in the members of this group, which is a distinguishing feature from other vertebrates.
Characteristics
Gnathostomata are characterized by the presence of jaws, which are used for capturing and processing food. Other common features include paired limbs and a three-part brain. The development of jaws allowed for a significant increase in the diversity and complexity of feeding strategies, leading to a corresponding increase in overall animal diversity.
Classification
Gnathostomata is a subphylum within the phylum Chordata. It is further divided into two infraphyla: Teleostomi, which includes the majority of bony fish and all land-dwelling vertebrates, and Elasmobranchii, which includes sharks, rays, and skates.
Related Terms
- Chordata: The phylum to which Gnathostomata belongs. It includes all animals with a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle, and a post-anal tail at some point in their life cycle.
- Teleostomi: An infraphylum within Gnathostomata, including the majority of bony fish and all land-dwelling vertebrates.
- Elasmobranchii: An infraphylum within Gnathostomata, including sharks, rays, and skates.
- Jaws: A distinguishing feature of Gnathostomata, used for capturing and processing food.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gnathostomata
- Wikipedia's article - Gnathostomata
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