Eutherian Mammal
Definition:
An "eutherian mammal" is a type of mammal that gives birth to live young and has a special organ called a placenta. The placenta helps to nourish the baby while it is still inside the mother. Eutherian mammals include most mammals, except for two groups: monotremes (like the platypus, which lay eggs) and marsupials (like kangaroos, which carry their young in pouches).
Usage Instructions:
- Use the term "eutherian mammal" when discussing types of mammals, especially in biological or scientific contexts. - It is a more technical term, so it might not be common in everyday conversation.
Example Sentence:
"Humans are eutherian mammals because we have a placenta that supports the growth of our babies before they are born."
Advanced Usage:
In academic discussions, you might encounter phrases like "eutherian phylogeny," which refers to the evolutionary history and relationships among eutherian mammals.
Word Variants:
- Eutherian (adjective): Describing characteristics related to eutherian mammals. - Eutheria (noun): The group or classification that includes all eutherian mammals.
Different Meanings:
The term "eutherian" specifically relates to the classification of mammals. It does not have alternative meanings in other contexts.
Synonyms:
There are no direct synonyms for "eutherian mammal," but you can refer to them simply as "placental mammals" in some contexts.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "eutherian mammal" as it is a scientific term. However, you may encounter phrases like "give birth" or "carry young," which are related to the reproductive process.