MONODELPHIA (i.e. " single uterus,"—in allusion to the

See also:

• FUSION

fusion of at least the basal portions of this

See also:

• ORGAN

organ, and in contradistinction to their duality in the Didelphia, or

See also:

• MARSUPIALIA
• MARSUPIALIA (from Lat. marsupium, a "pouch," or "bag")

Marsupialia)  , Cuvier's name for the group which includes all the orders of mammals (See MAMMA1.1A) except the Marsupialia and Monotremata; other titles for this group being Placentalia and Eutheria . With the Monotremata (q.v.) this group has no near affinity; and while more nearly related to the Marsupialia (q.v.), in which an imperfect allantoic placenta is sometimes developed, it is broadly distinguished therefrom by the invariable presence of a functional placenta by the aid of which the foetus is nourished throughout the greater portion of intra-uterine life . Other distinctive features by which marsupials are separated from monodelphians or placentals will be found in the article last mentioned . (R .