- F. Harvey Pough, F. Harvey PoughProfessor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
- William E. Bemis, William E. BemisProfessor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Faculty Curator of Ichthyology, Cornell University
- Betty McguireBetty McguireSenior Lecturer, Cornell University
- , and Christine M. JanisChristine M. JanisProfessor Emerita of Biology, Brown University, USA, Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
Abstract
This chapter covers two ways of living on land with reference to synapsids and sauropsids. The mammalian lineage is characterized by synapsid skulls that have a single fenestra, while members of the reptilian lineages have diapsid skulls with two fenestrae. Skull structure is only one way in which the evolutionary histories of Synapsida and Sauropsida diverged, as members of both lineages adapted to the challenges of life on land. The chapter explains the cardiovascular systems and excretory systems of synapsids and sauropsids. It highlights how their differences in structural and functional characters showcase that there is more than one way to succeed as a terrestrial amniote.
