placental

Everyday

1. To do with the placenta, the organ that grows inside a mother during pregnancy to give the baby food and oxygen. tree →
2. (placental mammals) Mammals whose babies grow inside the mother with a placenta, such as humans, dogs, cats and whales. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on animal groups, placental mammals are compared with marsupials (kangaroos, koalas), whose babies grow in a pouch, and monotremes (platypus), which lay eggs. Most mammals are placental. In Australia and NZ, this contrast is a common topic.

Examples

• Humans are placental mammals. tree →
• Kangaroos are marsupials, not placentals. tree →
• Whales and bats are placental mammals. tree →
• The placental blood carries food to the baby. tree →
• Australia has many marsupials but also placental mammals like dingoes. tree →
• Most mammals on Earth are placental. tree →

Note

Adjective (also a noun in science). Noun: placenta (plural placentas or placentae). Pronounced "pluh-SEN-tul".