Associations to the word «Sauropterygia»

SAUROPTERYGIA, proper noun. A taxonomic superorder within the class Reptilia   — extinct taxon of aquatic reptiles that developed from terrestrial ancestors soon after the end-Permian extinction and flourished during the Mesozoic before they became extinct at the end of that era. They are united by a radical adaptation of their pectoral girdle, designed to support powerful flipper strokes.

SAUROPTERYGIA, noun. Extinct marine reptiles: plesiosaurs; nothosaurs.