diapsid
/daɪˈæpsɪd/
noun
- A reptile that has two openings in the skull behind each eye, including lizards, snakes, crocodiles, dinosaurs, and birds.
- The fossil was identified as a diapsid because of the two holes in its skull.
- Birds evolved from a group of diapsids called theropod dinosaurs.
- Most modern reptiles, like lizards and snakes, are diapsids.
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of diapsids.
- The diapsid skull structure allows for stronger jaw muscles.
- This fossil shows typical diapsid openings in the temporal region.
- Scientists studied the diapsid features of the ancient reptile.