A vertebrate that produces eggs with specialized membranes (amnion, chorion, allantois) that protect and nourish the developing embryo, allowing reproduction independent of water. This group includes reptiles, birds, and mammals.
From Greek 'amnion,' one of the protective membranes surrounding the embryo, literally meaning 'bowl' or 'lamb.' The term 'amniote' was coined in the early 20th century to describe this major evolutionary group defined by their specialized egg structure.
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