Pronunciation: [lˌɛpɪdəsˈɔːɹi͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "lepidosauria" is spelled as /lɛpɪdəˈsɔːrɪə/. The first syllable "lep" is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by "pid" pronounced with a "pi" sound as in "pig". The next syllable "o" is pronounced with a long "o" sound like "oh". "Sauria" is pronounced with "saur" being pronounced with a "saw" sound and "ia" with a "yah" sound. Lepidosauria is a subclass of reptiles that includes lizards, snakes, and tuatara.
Lepidosauria is a taxonomic group or superorder within the reptile class, comprising two major lineages: the order Squamata (lizards and snakes) and the order Rhynchocephalia (which includes the single living species, the tuatara). Lepidosauria is characterized by several distinct features, including an outer layer of scales made of keratin, paired copulatory organs (hemipenes) in males, and the ability to shed or replace their teeth throughout their lifespan.
Members of Lepidosauria are typically terrestrial, although some species have adapted to aquatic environments. They are found in various habitats worldwide, with the highest diversity seen in tropical regions. With over 10,000 known species, the Squamata order represents the vast majority of lepidosaurs.
Lepidosaurs exhibit an impressive array of morphologies, sizes, and ecological adaptations. Lizards, for example, encompass a wide range of body shapes, from limbless snakes to legged chameleons. They are characterized by their scaly skin, movable eyelids, and external ear openings. The tuatara, on the other hand, is a lizard-like reptile endemic to New Zealand. Notably, it possesses a "third eye," a small photosensitive organ on top of its head.
Lepidosauria is considered a significant group in evolutionary biology, providing important insights into the study of reptilian evolution and their connections to other groups such as birds and mammals.
The word "Lepidosauria" is derived from the Greek words "lepis" meaning "scale" and "sauros" meaning "lizard". The term was coined by paleontologist Hermann von Meyer in 1864 to refer to a group of reptiles characterized by having scales on their bodies. Lepidosauria is a taxonomic group that includes lizards, snakes, and tuatara.
