Chapter 26: Reptiles

Question 1

By late Carboniferous period the amniotes (those that lay amniotic eggs) had separated into what three groups?

Answer 1

• Anapsid
• Diapsid
• Synapsid

Question 2

Describe Anapsids?

Answer 2

• no temporal openings in the skull

- only seen in turtles today

Question 3

Describe Diapsid?

Answer 3

• all other reptilian groups and birds have this skull
• two temporal openings
• include extinct reptiles such as dinosaurs and pleisosaurs

Question 4

Describe Synapsid?

Answer 4

• mammals and extinct forms of mammals like reptiles

- single temporal opening

Question 5

Differences from amphibians:

4

Answer 5

• tough, dry skin offering protection from desiccation and injury
• Amniotic egg breaks all ties with water
• stronger jaws for crushing and gripping (jaw muscles larger and longer and better arranged for mechanical advantage)
• force is in closing not in opening

Question 6

Fertilization is ?

Answer 6

internal

Question 7

In comparison to amphibians what is their circulatory system like?

Answer 7

• more efficient and higher bp

Question 8

They have better adapted?

Answer 8

• lungs

Question 9

Ex of better water conservation strategies?

Answer 9

• metanephric kidney and excrete nitrogenous wastes as uric acid which helps conserve water

Question 10

In terms of support how do they hold up to amphibians?

Answer 10

• better boy support and more efficient on land

Question 11

NS in comparison to amphibians ?

Answer 11

• more complex
• skull has one occipital condyle
• 12 cranial nerves

Question 12

What are the three orders we examined in class?

Answer 12

• Squamata
• Testudines (Chelonia)
• Crocodilia