Hyperoartia (Noun)
Meaning
Lampreys as distinguished from hagfishes.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The Hyperoartia is a class of eel-like fish that includes lampreys, which are characterized by their suction cup-like mouth and razor-sharp teeth.
- Lampreys are the only living members of the Hyperoartia, a group that diverged from the common ancestor of all vertebrates over 360 million years ago.
- The Hyperoartia is thought to have originated in the Early Devonian period, with fossil records showing that lampreys have remained largely unchanged for millions of years.
- In contrast to hagfishes, which are eel-like fish that secrete slime as a defense mechanism, the Hyperoartia are characterized by their ability to attach themselves to prey using their suction cup-like mouth.
- The Hyperoartia are often considered to be one of the most primitive groups of vertebrates, with many characteristics that are thought to be similar to those of the earliest vertebrates.