The Lepidosaurs, including the lizards and snakes, are a group of diapsid reptiles
that are currently at the peak of their diversity. Related to this group are the extinct Eosuchians
and the Sphenodontans, represented by one surviving relic species.
Several groups of reptiles have indendently evolved adaptations for life in the seas.
The earliest aquatic reptiles may have invaded the seas from freshwater environments.
The placodonts and plesiosaurs (Sautopterygii) represent the most diverse group of marine reptiles,
while the ichthyosaurs evolved the most fishlike body shapes. Other marine reptiles were offshoots of
terrestrial groups, including the marine crocodilians, marine lizards (mosasaurs), marine turtles, champosaurs, and pleurosaurs.
- Marine reptiles:
- Aquatic adaptations
- Early aquatic reptiles
- Ichthyosaurs
Article: Ichthyosaur blubber
- Placodonts and Sauropterygians
- Marine crocodiles, turtles, lizards, and sea snakes
- Champsosaurs and pleurosaurs
- Lepidosauria:
- Eosuchians
- Early lepidosaurs
- Sphenodontans
- Lizards and snakes
Illustrations
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