Lepidosauromorph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LepidosauromorphsTemporal range: Late Permian – Recent
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Lepidosauromorpha
Benton, 1983
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Lepidosauromorphs are a very large group of reptiles. They include all diapsids that are more closely related to lizards than to archosaurs. Archosaurs are another big group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, birds, and dinosaurs.
The only living members of the Lepidosauromorphs are called Lepidosauria. This group includes all the lizards, snakes, and the tuatara. The tuatara is a unique reptile found only in New Zealand.
Besides the living groups, there are many important fossil (extinct) groups. One of the most famous fossil groups is the Sauropterygia. This group includes the amazing plesiosaurs, which were large marine reptiles that lived in the oceans long ago.
Contents
What Are Lepidosauromorphs?
Lepidosauromorphs are a major branch on the reptile family tree. They are part of the Diapsids, which are reptiles with two special openings in their skull behind their eyes. This feature helps to make their skulls lighter and provides more space for jaw muscles.
This group first appeared a very long time ago, in the Late Permian period. This was even before the dinosaurs became the main animals on Earth. They have continued to live and evolve right up to today.
Living Lepidosauromorphs: The Lepidosauria
The Lepidosauria are the only Lepidosauromorphs still alive today. This group is very diverse and includes many different kinds of reptiles.
Lizards and Snakes
The biggest part of the Lepidosauria group is called Squamata. This includes all the lizards and snakes. There are thousands of different species of lizards and snakes living all over the world.
- Lizards: Lizards are a very varied group. They can be found in almost every habitat, from deserts to rainforests. Some lizards are tiny, like geckos, while others are very large, like the Komodo dragon. They usually have four legs, tails, and scales.
- Snakes: Snakes are basically lizards that have lost their legs over millions of years of evolution. They move by slithering and are known for their long, flexible bodies. Some snakes are harmless, while others are venomous.
There are also "worm lizards" (Amphisbaenia), which are a special type of lizard. They are mostly legless and live underground, looking a bit like worms.
Tuataras
The tuatara is a very special reptile found only in New Zealand. It looks a bit like a lizard but is actually the only living member of a very ancient group called Sphenodontia. Tuataras are often called "living fossils" because they have changed very little over millions of years. They can live for a very long time, sometimes over 100 years!
Ancient Lepidosauromorphs: Fossil Groups
Many fascinating Lepidosauromorphs are now extinct. Scientists learn about them by studying their fossils.
Sauropterygia: The Marine Reptiles
One of the most important extinct groups is the Sauropterygia. These were reptiles that adapted to live in the ocean.
- Plesiosaurs: The most famous Sauropterygians are the plesiosaurs. These incredible marine reptiles lived during the time of the dinosaurs. They had long necks, small heads, and four large flippers, which they used to swim through the water. Some plesiosaurs were enormous, reaching lengths of over 15 meters (50 feet)! They hunted fish and other marine animals.
- Mosasauridae: While often grouped with plesiosaurs in popular culture, Mosasaurs were actually a family of very large, powerful marine lizards. They were closely related to modern snakes and monitor lizards. Mosasaurs were top predators in the late Cretaceous seas.
Other ancient groups, like the †Eolacertilia, also existed. These early lizard-like reptiles help scientists understand how modern lizards and snakes evolved.
Classification
Scientists classify Lepidosauromorphs to understand their relationships.
- Subclass Diapsida
- Infraclass Lepidosauromorpha
- Superorder †Sauropterygia – Extinct marine reptiles like Plesiosaurs
- Lepidosauriformes
- Order †Eolacertilia – Early lizard-like reptiles
- Superorder Lepidosauria – All living Lepidosauromorphs
- Infraclass Lepidosauromorpha
* Order Sphenodontia – Tuataras * Order Squamata – Lizards and Snakes ** Suborder Amphisbaenia – Worm lizards ** Suborder Lacertilia – Lizards *** Family †Mosasauridae – Extinct marine lizards ** Suborder Serpentes – Snakes
Images for kids
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A robot for kids
See also
In Spanish: Lepidosauromorfos para niños
