SAURIA
\sˈɔːɹiə], \sˈɔːɹiə], \s_ˈɔː_ɹ_i__ə]\
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By DataStellar Co., Ltd
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The term by which the great order of lizards is sometimes designated. The animal forms more strictly included under it are those comprised under the genus Lacerta of Linnaeus; but in the large and now generally received acceptation of the term saurians, not only the existing lizards, crocodiles, monitors, iguanas, chameleons, etc., are included, but also those monstrous fossil reptiles whose remains excite our wonder, as the ichthyosaurus, plesiosaurus, deinosaurus, iguanodon, pterodactyle, etc. The saurians are covered with scales, and have four legs. The mouth is always armed with teeth, and the toes are generally furnished with claws. They have all a tail more or less long, and generally very thick at the base. The fossil species, the most gigantic and singular members of the order, occur most abundantly in the oolitic strata. Some of them were exclusively marine, others amphibious, others terrestrial, and others were adapted for flying, as the pterodactyles.
By Daniel Lyons
