Subclass Metatheria (Noun)
Meaning
Pouched animals.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Opossums are marsupials that belong to the subclass Metatheria and are commonly known for their ability to carry their young in a pouch.
- The subclass Metatheria is a group of pouched mammals, excluding the kangaroos and koalas, which include unique animals such as the Tasmanian devil.
- Kangaroo and opossum are the most well-known subclasses of the Metatheria group, with opossum being an early offshoot in their pouch evolution.
- There is a difference between the subclasses within the Metatheria and the Theria groups, mainly with how the young and adults interact inside their pouch.
- This group of pouched mammals known as the subclass Metatheria diverged around 160 million years ago from mammals with a placenta or Theria.