Amniota (Noun)
Meaning
Higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals) possessing an amnion during development.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The amniota group includes all higher vertebrates that have an amnion inside their eggs, which provides protection and moisture to the developing embryo.
- Reptiles, birds, and mammals are classified as amniota due to the presence of an amnion in their eggs, regardless of whether they lay eggs or give birth to live young.
- Amniota have a unique characteristic of developing inside a fluid-filled amnion that cushions them and provides a safe environment for growth.
- Turtles, alligators, and crocodiles are examples of reptiles that belong to the amniota group because their eggs contain an amnion that protects the developing young.
- The evolutionary development of the amnion is a key characteristic that defines the amniota clade of reptiles, birds, and mammals and distinguishes them from earlier vertebrates such as amphibians.