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diapsid
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Diagram comparing five types of reptile skulls-synapsid, parapsid, anapsid, euryapsid, diapsid-and a lizard skull, each labeled with bones such as postorbital, squamosal, and postfrontal, highlighting differences in skull openings and structure.
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diapsid

reptile
Also known as: Diapsida
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Diagram comparing five types of reptile skulls-synapsid, parapsid, anapsid, euryapsid, diapsid-and a lizard skull, each labeled with bones such as postorbital, squamosal, and postfrontal, highlighting differences in skull openings and structure.
synapsid and reptilian skull types Synapsid and reptilian skull types.

Diapsida is a subclass of reptiles characterized by two pairs of temporal openings in their skulls. This group includes extinct dinosaurs and pterosaurs, as well as modern crocodiles and rhynchocephalians, and typically encompasses lizards and snakes. The term "diapsid" refers to reptiles with these two pairs of temporal openings. Reptilian skulls, in general, differ from those of early amphibians and mammals, with variations in openings, shape, and size. Diapsids represent a significant lineage within the reptile class.123

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Diapsida
  2. diapsid
  3. reptile - Skull and dentition

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