Eureptiles

Eureptilia is a clade of diapsid reptiles that includes all living reptiles except for turtles. It is a subgroup within the larger clade Reptiliomorpha. The name "Eureptilia" literally means "true reptiles" and reflects its position as a more derived lineage within the reptile evolutionary tree. Eureptiles are characterized by a number of skeletal features, though the most defining characteristic is the absence of a postfrontal bone in the skull, a feature present in some of their more primitive relatives. This clade is further divided into two major lineages: the Sauria and the Archelosauria. Sauria encompasses lizards, snakes, and crocodiles, while Archelosauria is an extinct group of prehistoric reptiles. The evolutionary relationships within Eureptilia have been a subject of ongoing research and debate, with molecular and morphological data contributing to our understanding of their diversification. This group represents a significant portion of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna, with a wide range of adaptations to diverse environments across the globe.