The upcoming discussion will update you about the difference between metatherian and eutherian.

Difference # Metatherian:

1. Marsupium (Brood pouch in the abdomen):

Present in most females [absent in Australian numbat (marsupial ant- eater—Myrmecobius fasciatus), American Chironectes, Marmosa, and Monodelphis]

2. Young:

Extremely immature young’s are born and complete their development in the marsupium.

3. Vagina:

Double vagina (= Didelphia). The vaginae are separate and each has a separate opening into the urinogeni­tal canal.

4. Ureters:

Ureters pass between the genital ducts in both sexes.

5. Corpus callosum:

Corpus callosum is absent or is fee­bly developed.

6. Dentition:

Monophyodont except the last pre­molar.

7. Epipubic bone:

Epipubic or marsupial bones are found and remain attached to the pubis.

8. Palate:

The palate is incompletely ossified and is fenestrated.

9. Zygomatic arch:

The jugal bone of the zygomatic arch extends far back to form the glenoid fossa for articulating with the lower jaw.

10. Placenta:

Yolk-sac placenta is developed except Perameles, Phascolarctos and Phascolomys where chorioallantoic Placenta is seen.

Examples:

Macropus, Didelphis, Dasyurus.

Difference # Eutherian:

1. Marsupium (Brood pouch in the abdomen):

Absent.

2. Young:

Mature young’s are born

3. Vagina:

Single vagina

4. Ureters:

Ureters pass outside the ducts.

5. Corpuscallosum:

Well-developed.

6. Dentition:

Diphyodont (except toothed whales, where monophyodont type of denti­tion is observed)

7. Epipubic bone:

Absent

8. Palate:

Palate is fully ossified.

9. Zygomaticarch:

The jugal bone of the zygomatic arch does not extend far back except in Hyrax and in many rodents.

10. Placenta:

Chorioallantioc placenta is developed

Example:

Mus, Bos, Panthera, axis Elephas.

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