Question

The extinct reptiles without temporal fossae belong to
A. Chelonia
B. Synaptosauria
C. Ichthyopterygia
D. Cotylosauria

Answer 1

Hint: Reptiles were first vertebrates that were able to live on land completely. Some primitive reptiles existed many years ago and they are extinct now.

Complete step-by-step answer:
1. The class Reptilia is classified in subclasses according to temporal opening that is found in the temporal part of the skull. That is Anapsida, euryapsida, parapsida, synapsids, and diapsida. In Anapsida subclass no temporal fossa is found.
2. The subclass Anapsida includes primitive reptiles. Most animals of this class are extinct. These are classified in two orders-
3. Order Cotylosauria includes such reptiles that are now extinct. These are primitive reptiles. Members of Cotylosauria looked like amphibians. Some fossils are found of these reptiles.
4. The second order is Chelonia. In this order 400 species were found. Some of these are extinct.
5. In this order modern living tortoises are included. Body is covered by a hard covering called plastron. These are teeth less.

 Additional information: Cotylosauria is an extinct order of subclass- Anapsida of reptiles. It included the reptiles in which skull had a solid bony roof with no temporal vacuities (.i.e., temporal fossae absent).

So, the correct answer is “Option D. Cotylosauria”.

Note: The extinct members of reptiles were found 180 million year ago. During the Cretaceous and Jurassic period of Mesozoic era these were the dominating animals.