MARSUPIALIA Meaning and
Definition
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Marsupialia is a taxonomic infraclass or suborder of mammals that encompasses a diverse group of animals known as marsupials. These unique creatures are characterized by a distinctive reproductive system, in which females typically give birth to relatively undeveloped young, who then crawl into a pouch on the mother's belly where they continue to develop and nurse.
Marsupials are found primarily in Australasia and the Americas, with notable examples including kangaroos, koalas, opossums, and wombats. These animals exhibit a wide range of adaptations and body forms, reflecting their diverse ecological niches and habitats.
The evolutionary history of marsupials dates back to the Mesozoic era, making them an ancient lineage of mammals. They represent an alternative evolutionary strategy to the placental mammals, which dominate most terrestrial ecosystems today. Marsupials exhibit unique adaptations such as specialized teeth for different diets, pouches for carrying their young, and a reproductive system known as reproductive diapause, which allows females to delay the development of their embryos until environmental conditions are more favorable for their survival.
Marsupials have captivated the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike due to their fascinating biology and role in ecosystems. Their distinct reproductive system and evolutionary history have contributed to our understanding of mammalian diversity and the processes that shape it.
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An order of mammalia having a sack or pouch under the belly in which they carry their young, as the kangaroo.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MARSUPIALIA
- narsupialia
- karsupialia
- jarsupialia
- mzrsupialia
- msrsupialia
- mwrsupialia
- mqrsupialia
- maesupialia
- madsupialia
- mafsupialia
- matsupialia
- ma5supialia
- ma4supialia
- maraupialia
- marzupialia
- marxupialia
- mardupialia
- mareupialia
- marwupialia
Etymology of MARSUPIALIA
The word Marsupialia originates from the scientific classification of marsupials as a distinct group within the animal kingdom. It is derived from the Latin word marsupium meaning pouch or bag. This Latin term was used to describe the characteristic pouch that marsupials possess, in which they carry and nurse their underdeveloped young after giving birth. The suffix -alia is common in zoological classifications and indicates a group or order of animals. Hence, Marsupialia literally means pouched animals.
Similar spelling words for MARSUPIALIA
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