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Glite Dictionary
metatherian

metatherian

9.9
A mammal like a kangaroo or opossum that gives birth to undeveloped young often raised in a pouch
  • noun
  • /ˌmɛtəˈθɪəriən/
  • Specialized
: metaterio
  • Unlike placental mammals, a metatherian gives birth to undeveloped young, which often complete development in a pouch.

Examples

  • Kangaroos and opossums are living examples of metatherian mammals.

  • Fossil evidence suggests that metatherians first appeared in the Early Cretaceous period.

  • A metatherian has unique features.

  • Did you know that a metatherian can give birth to underdeveloped young?

  • Kangaroos and opossums are living examples of metatherians that carry their young in pouches.

  • Unlike placental mammals, a metatherian gives birth to undeveloped young, which often need to crawl into a pouch for development.

  • Fossil evidence shows that ancient metatherians roamed the Earth alongside dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period.

Surface Forms

metatherian singular
metatherians plural

Etymology

Metatherian comes from Greek parts meta- ('between' or 'after') and theria ('beasts' or 'animals'). It names a group of mammals, like kangaroos and opossums, that are 'between' other mammals because their young are born 'not fully developed' and often finish growing in a pouch.