Metatheria

9.9

A group of mammals that usually carry not fully developed young in a pouch, like kangaroos

noun
/ˌmɛtəˈθɪəriə/

Specialized

: Metaterios

The kangaroo is a well-known member of the Metatheria, a group of marsupials that carry their young in pouches.

Examples

Scientists continue to study how the reproductive systems of Metatheria differ from those of placental mammals.
The Metatheria group includes kangaroos and koalas.
Ancestors of modern Metatheria are thought to have originated in South America.
The kangaroo is a well-known member of the Metatheria.
Did you know that Metatherians give birth to very small young?
Scientists continue to study how the reproductive systems of Metatheria differ from those of placental mammals, especially regarding their undeveloped young.
Did you know that Metatheria give birth to very small young that are often carried in a pouch until they develop?

Synonyms

Marsupialia

vsMetatheria

Specialized

1 9.9

A group of mammals whose mothers carry their very young in a pouch

is a broader grouping of mammals that includes that order

Surface Forms

Metatheria singular

Metatherias plural

Morphology

Metatheria = Theria (opaque) = meta + theria

This is a specialized scientific formation built from meta- + Theria, but the meaning is not recoverable for ordinary learners from the parts alone.

Etymology

Metatheria comes from Greek parts: meta- meaning 'after' or 'beyond', seen in words like 'metadata', and -theria from a Greek word for 'beast'. So Metatheria is the name for the 'other' group of mammals, the marsupials like the kangaroo, whose young are born undeveloped and are often carried in a pouch.