noun
- animals that have a skull or cranium, including all vertebrates
Usage: biological term
Examples
- Craniates include fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
- The evolution of craniates marked a major step in vertebrate development.
- Scientists study craniates to understand brain and skull evolution.
- All craniates possess a protective bony or cartilaginous skull.
- The craniate lineage diverged from other chordates millions of years ago.
- Marine craniates show remarkable diversity in skull structure.