Question

Early reptiles evolved into
I. modern day crocodiles and birds
II. tuataras
III. synapsids which evolved into mammals
IV. sauropsids which later evolved into lizards and turtles

• A. I, II and III
• B. I, III and IV
• C. I only
• D. I, II, III and IV

Answer 1

The correct option is D I, II, III and IV

The evolution of vertebrates began with the appearance of jawless fishes around 350 million years ago. Later, fishes which could live on both land and water (lobefins) evolved. The lobe-finned fishes evolved into the first amphibians. These amphibians might be the ancestors of the present-day salamanders and frogs. Later amphibians evolved into reptiles. Reptiles of different shapes, sizes, and life patterns flourished during the Permian period, many million years ago.

Early reptiles evolved into sauropsids and synapsids. The sauropsids and synapsids further evolved into modern day reptiles, birds and mammals. As it is evident from the image given below, modern day crocodiles and birds have evolved from early reptiles. Sauropsids formed turtles, lizards, snakes and tuataras. Synapsids evolved into Pelycosaurs. At the end of the Permian period, they are replaced by therapsids (immediate ancestors of mammals), which later evolved into mammals.
So, the correct answer is option 'd'.