Order Monotremata
Definition:
The term "order Monotremata" refers to a group of egg-laying mammals known as monotremes. This group includes animals like the platypus and echidnas. Monotremes are unique because, unlike most mammals that give birth to live young, they lay eggs.
Usage Instructions:
When using "order Monotremata," you are typically discussing biology, zoology, or animal classification. It is a scientific term, so it is mostly used in educational or research contexts.
Example:
- "The order Monotremata includes some of the most unusual mammals in the world, such as the platypus."
Advanced Usage:
In advanced discussions, you might explain that Monotremata is coextensive with the subclass Prototheria, meaning that all monotremes belong to this subclass. This can be relevant in evolutionary biology and taxonomy.
Word Variants:
- Monotreme (noun): Refers to any individual member of the order Monotremata.
Example: "The monotreme is known for its ability to lay eggs."
Different Meanings:
The term "Monotremata" specifically refers to this group of mammals and does not have widely recognized different meanings in other contexts.
Synonyms:
While "order Monotremata" is a specific scientific term, you might refer to animals from this order simply as "egg-laying mammals," but this is more generic.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "order Monotremata" due to its technical nature.