Diapsid (Noun)
Meaning
Reptile having a pair of openings in the skull behind each eye.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The diapsid skull pattern is a characteristic feature of most reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and crocodiles.
- Many scientists believe that the diapsid skull pattern evolved as a way to increase the space available for jaw muscles.
- Turtles are the only reptiles that do not have a diapsid skull pattern, instead having a anapsid or euryapsid skull.
- The diapsid skull pattern allows for greater flexibility and movement of the jaw, which is advantageous for many reptiles.
- Some fossil records show that the diapsid skull pattern has remained relatively unchanged in many reptile species over millions of years.