ANAPSIDA Meaning and
Definition
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Anapsida is a term used to describe a group of reptiles characterized by their unique skeletal feature, specifically the absence of temporal openings in the skull. The word "anapsida" is derived from the Greek term "an-", meaning "without," and "apsis," referring to "holes."
Typically, anapsids possess a solid skull structure without any fenestrae or temporal openings behind the eyes, unlike other reptiles that possess such openings, known as diapsids or synapsids. This unique attribute is considered a primitive characteristic, as it is believed to be close to the ancestral condition for reptiles.
Anapsids form a diverse group, which includes some extinct species like turtles and various now-extinct reptiles from the Paleozoic era. Although turtles are the most recognizable living anapsids, the term primarily refers to extinct reptiles.
This group is known for their generally small to medium size, terrestrial lifestyle, and often possessing a hard shell. They were present throughout the Mesozoic era and have undergone significant evolutionary changes since their ancient ancestors, with some even developing adaptations for marine and aquatic environments.
While anapsids were once much more diverse, today, only turtles and a few turtle-like reptiles remain. Understanding anapsids is crucial for comprehending the evolutionary history of reptiles and their relationships with other vertebrates, allowing scientists to investigate and trace the fascinating journey of these ancient creatures.
Common Misspellings for ANAPSIDA
- znapsida
- snapsida
- wnapsida
- qnapsida
- abapsida
- amapsida
- ajapsida
- ahapsida
- anzpsida
- anspsida
- anwpsida
- anqpsida
- anaosida
- analsida
- ana-sida
- ana0sida
- anapaida
- anapzida
- anapxida
- anepsida
Etymology of ANAPSIDA
The word "anapsida" is derived from the Greek roots "ana", meaning absence or lack, and "apsis", meaning arch or vault. This term was coined by Edward Drinker Cope, an American paleontologist, in 1868 to describe a group of reptiles characterized by the absence of temporal fenestrae (holes) in the skull. It was used as a taxonomic term for a group of reptiles with primitive skull structures.
Similar spelling words for ANAPSIDA
- unabused,
- inopposite,
- unposed,
- unpassed,
- unbiassed,
- unappeased,
- unbiased,
- anapæst,
- Oueenpost,
- anapestic,
- unpaced,
- Unbusied,
- unhippest,
- Unabased,
- anaphasic,
- anapaest,
- unbaized,
- anapest,
- unhappiest,
- anapsid,
- Unpoised,
- unbased,
- unopposed,
- inapposite,
- Unbeast.
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