ANAPSID REPTILE Meaning and
Definition
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Anapsid reptile refers to a group of reptiles characterized by possessing a skull with a lack of temporal openings in the side of the skull. The term "anapsid" is derived from the Greek words "an-" meaning without and "apsis" meaning arch or bow, indicating the absence of arches in their skull structure.
Anapsid reptiles are predominantly represented by two major groups: turtles and their extinct relatives, and early reptiles from the Paleozoic era. Turtles are often considered the quintessential example of anapsid reptiles, exhibiting their unique feature of a shell that encases their body for protection. This distinctive shell possesses a dorsal carapace (top shell) and a ventral plastron (bottom shell), fused to the ribs and spine, providing an effective defense mechanism.
The fossil record suggests that anapsid reptiles were the first group of reptiles to emerge, appearing in the late Carboniferous period around 312 million years ago. They diversified during the subsequent Permian and Triassic periods. However, during the Mesozoic era, the anapsid reptiles, excluding turtles, experienced a decline and eventually became extinct.
Although anapsid reptiles are characterized by their lack of temporal openings, they exhibit considerable anatomical diversity. Some possessed long and slender bodies, while others had more robust forms. Many had sprawling limbs, others were semi-aquatic, and some were entirely aquatic in habit. Talented foragers and hunters, anapsid reptiles displayed a range of diets including herbivory, carnivory, and omnivory.
Overall, anapsid reptiles played a crucial role in the story of vertebrate evolution, and their legacy persists in the present-day descendants represented by turtles, reminding
Common Misspellings for ANAPSID REPTILE
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Etymology of ANAPSID REPTILE
The term "anapsid reptile" originates from the combination of two separate words: "anapsid" and "reptile".
1. Anapsid: The word "anapsid" comes from the Greek roots "an-" meaning "without" and "apsis" meaning "arch" or "vault". It was originally used in the field of paleontology to describe a type of reptile with a skull lacking temporal openings or arches. The concept of anapsids was initially used to classify extinct reptiles that lived during the Paleozoic Era, particularly during the Permian period. Examples of anapsid reptiles include representatives of the order Testudines, which includes turtles and tortoises.
2. Reptile: The term "reptile" comes from the Latin word "reptilis", which means "creeping" or "crawling".
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