Aplacental (Adjective)
Meaning
Having no placenta; "monotremes and marsupials are aplacental mammals".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Monotremes and marsupials are aplacental mammals, meaning they do not have a placenta like other mammals.
- The unique reproductive system of the platypus is an example of an aplacental mammal, where the young are nourished by egg yolks instead of a placenta.
- In contrast to eutherian mammals, aplacental mammals such as kangaroos and koalas give birth to underdeveloped young.
- The aplacental nature of monotremes and marsupials is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from other mammals.
- Aplacental mammals, such as the echidna, have a different reproductive strategy that involves laying eggs with a leathery shell.