Anapsida
|a-nap-si-da|
/ˌænæpˈsɪdə/
no temporal skull openings
Etymology
'Anapsida' originates from New Latin (used in zoological taxonomy), ultimately from Greek elements, specifically the prefix 'an-' meaning 'without' and 'apsis' meaning 'arch' or 'opening'.
'Anapsida' was formed as a New Latin taxonomic name in zoology (19th century) from Greek roots and was adopted into English scientific usage to denote reptiles lacking temporal openings in the skull.
Initially it referred specifically to reptiles 'without temporal openings' in their skulls; over time the term's taxonomic scope and usefulness have been debated, and it is sometimes treated as paraphyletic or replaced in modern classifications.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a group (historical taxon) of amniote reptiles characterized by skulls that lack temporal openings (temporal fenestrae); historically used to include turtles; sometimes considered paraphyletic or obsolete in modern classifications.
Anapsida were once thought to include all turtles and their relatives.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/30 16:58