Amniote egg
Reptiles evolved from amphibians
The amniotic egg is significant because it represents a major evolutionary adaptation that allowed reptiles, birds, and mammals to reproduce on land without the need for water. This egg structure provides a protective environment for the developing embryo, featuring membranes that prevent desiccation and facilitate gas exchange. The amniotic egg enabled these species to colonize diverse terrestrial habitats, ultimately contributing to their evolutionary success and diversification.
The amniotic egg is a key evolutionary innovation associated with reptiles. This type of egg allowed reptiles to reproduce on land, away from water, which was a significant advantage for colonizing terrestrial environments.
yes
reptiles
An example of branching evolution is the divergence of mammals and reptiles from a common ancestor. Over time, these two groups evolved distinctive traits and characteristics, leading to the development of separate lineages with different evolutionary paths. This process of branching evolution resulted in the diverse array of species we see today.
Evolutionary biologists believe that reptiles existed before mammals, and that mammals evolved from reptiles. Reptiles do not have a cerebral cortex in their brains, but mammals do, therefore, in evolutionary terms, the cerebral cortex is new.
No they couldn't, evolution like this never occurred. Reptiles have always been reptiles.
Mainly size is what changed from prehistoric times to today.
Reptiles evolved into a diverse range of species, with some lineages giving rise to birds, which are considered modern-day avian reptiles. Other reptiles, like dinosaurs, dominated the Mesozoic Era before going extinct, while contemporary reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, and turtles, are direct descendants of ancient reptilian ancestors. Overall, reptiles represent a significant evolutionary branch that has adapted to various ecological niches over millions of years.
The amniotic egg allowed early reptiles to move away from waterside habitats and colonize dry regions. It allowed reproduction on land by preventing the embryo from drying out, so eggs could be laid away from the water.
Because it has evolutionary features of both non-avian reptiles and birds.