Sauropterygia
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Translingual[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Ancient Greek, literally "lizard flippers".
Proper noun[edit]
†Sauropterygia
- 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.