Definition of synapsid Synapsid

We found 4 definitions of synapsid from 4 different sources.

What does synapsid mean?

Noun Plural: synapsids
synapsid - extinct reptile having a single pair of lateral temporal openings in the skull
		synapsid reptile
		reptile, reptilian any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Reptilia including tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, and extinct forms
		protomammal, therapsid probably warm-blooded; considered direct ancestor of mammals
		ictodosaur intermediate in form between the therapsids and most primitive true mammals
		pelycosaur large primitive reptile having a tall spinal sail; of the Permian or late Paleozoic in Europe and North America
		edaphosaurus heavy-bodied reptile with a dorsal sail or crest; of the late Paleozoic

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synapsid (Adjective)
Pertaining to the class Synapsida, of animals which have an opening low in the skull roof behind each eye, leaving a bony arch beneath each.

Synapsids ('fused arch'), also known as Theropsids ('beast face'), is a taxonomical class of animals. This class includes mammals and other animals which are close to mammals. The non-mammal animals in the group were described as 'mammal-like reptiles'. A better name for them is "stem-mammals". Synapsids are one of the two major groups of amniote. The other group is the sauropsids. They developed one opening in their skull behind each eye, about 324 million years ago during the late Carboniferous Period.