Craniata
9.9
A group of animals with a skull that includes fish and mammals
- noun
- /ˈkreɪniˌɑːtə/
- Specialized
:
Craniata
- The most recent common ancestor to these "fishes" is the ancestor to the Craniata, or craniates, a group that is also an ancestor of the Tetrapoda, but is not considered fish.
Examples
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Scientists classify sharks and rays as part of the Craniata due to their vertebrate characteristics.
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Evolutionary studies show that humans are members of the Craniata, sharing a common ancestor with other vertebrates.
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Craniata includes all vertebrates, such as mammals, birds, and reptiles, which possess a Craniata.
Synonyms
9.8
A group of animals that have a skull, like fish, birds, and mammals
includes those vertebrate groups plus close relatives outside the listed classes
Compounds
subphylum Craniata
- Specialized
9.8
A group of animals that have a skull, like fish, birds, and mammals
Surface Forms
Etymology
Craniata comes from the Greek root cranio- meaning 'skull', the same root you see in cranium. So Craniata names animals 'with a skull', from fishes to mammals.
