Diapsida

The diapsides are the animals whose Crâne has two temporal pits, i.e. two openings. The Os squamosal and postorbitaire separate them. These openings make it possible the Mâchoire S moreover open and to have more force at the time of a bite.

Evolution

The known fossils of diapsides date from the Carbonifère superior. Some diapsides lost a pit (Lézard S), both (Serpents), or underwent a more complete reorganization of the cranium (modern birds). One as observed on the fossils a longer Radius on the leg posterior as the humérus of the forefoot.

Distributions

It is the case of many Dinosaure S (Ptérosaure S, Plésiosaure S, Mosasaure S,…), Squamate S, Crocodilia and birds. One counts approximately 14.600 more alive species in this group.

Taxonomy

The Euryapsides whose cranium differs from the diapsides by the number of temporal pits are now classified in this taxon. The classification of the majority of let us tax higher is discussed and prone to modification.

Phylogeny

Diapsida |-- Araeoscelida |-? Sphodrosaurus |-? Palacrodon |-? Omphalosaurus `--+-- Avicephala `-- Neodiapsida |-- Apsisaurus `-- Eosuchia |-? Younginiformes `--+? Claudiosaurus |-? Ichthyopterygia `-- Sauria |-? Thalattosauriformes |-- Lepidosauromorpha `-- Archosauromorpha

See too

Related articles

  • Anapside
  • Synapside (ancestor of the mammals)

External references

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