Order Saurischia (Noun)
Meaning
Extinct terrestrial reptiles: theropods (carnivorous); sauropods (herbivorous).
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The clade Saurischia is the largest group of extinct terrestrial reptiles, containing well-known forms like the theropod Tyrannosaurus and the sauropod Apatosaurus.
- During the Mesozoic Era, the superorder Saurischia dominated terrestrial ecosystems, with sauropods and theropods diversifying into various ecological niches.
- Saurischia is characterized by hip structures that differ from those of the Ornithischia, another major group of extinct terrestrial reptiles.
- Sauropods, herbivorous members of Saurischia, developed long necks, tails, and limbs to reach high-growing vegetation and support their massive bodies.
- Within Saurischia, the theropods, including the carnivorous dinosaurs, exhibit highly modified skull, jaw, and limb structures that reflect their specialization for meat consumption.