Craniates

/ˈkreɪniˌeɪts/ noun

Definition

Animals that possess a skull and are members of the Craniata taxonomic group, including all fish with jaws, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Etymology

English plural of 'craniate'; from Latin 'cranium' plus '-ate' (having or bearing something). The modern term for animals defined by having a cranium.

Kelly Says

Every creature you've ever seen that has a backbone also has a skull—the name 'craniates' sounds fancy but just means 'skull-bearers'—and it includes you, your dog, every dinosaur, and the fish in your aquarium!

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