Question
Question: Mammal like reptiles belong to (a)Anapsid line of evolution (b)Euryapsid line of evolution (c)...
Mammal like reptiles belong to
(a)Anapsid line of evolution
(b)Euryapsid line of evolution
(c)Parapsid line of evolution
(d)Synapsid line of evolution
Solution
In classical systematics, mammal-like reptiles belong to non-mammalian lineages. These are a group of animals that are more closely related to mammals than the members of the amniote clade, such as reptiles and birds.
Complete answer:
-The members of synapsid are separated from other amniotes for having temporal fenestra which is an opening low in the skull roof behind each eye, leaving a bony arch beneath each.
-The primitive synapsids are usually called pelycosaurs or pelycosaur-grade synapsids.
-These organisms are now correctly referred to as stem mammals or proto-mammals.
-The distinctive temporal fenestra developed in these organisms during ancestral synapsid (Late Carboniferous period) about 312 million years ago.
Additional Information: -Synapsids used to be the largest terrestrial vertebrates in the Permian period about 251 million years ago.
-The synapsids are divided into a primitive group and an advanced group, known as pelycosaurs and therapsids respectively.
-Pelycosaurs consist of the six most primitive families of synapsids. They all were rather lizard-like, with sprawling gait and possibly horny scutes.
-The therapsids consist of the more advanced synapsids, having a more erect pose and hair, in few forms.
-In classical taxonomy, the Synapsida comprises two distinct grades successively closer to mammals: the low-slung pelycosaurs have risen to the more erect therapsids, who in their turn gave rise to the mammals.
So, the correct answer is ‘Synapsida line of evolution’
Note: -Synapsids had differentiated teeth such as the canines, molars, and incisors.
-Synapsids have evolved from basal amniotes and are one of the two major groups of amniotes.