Crocodilians are classified as reptiles; however, they share a common ancestor with birds, which are not reptiles. Therefore, Reptilia is a ____ taxon.

Name: Crocodilians are classified as reptiles; however, they share a common ancestor with birds, which are not reptiles. Therefore, Reptilia is a ____ taxon.
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Question

Crocodilians are classified as reptiles; however, they share a common ancestor with birds, which are not reptiles. Therefore, Reptilia is a ____ taxon. ​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reptilia is considered a paraphyletic taxon because it includes some, but not all, descendants of a common ancestor, excluding birds which share a common ancestor with crocodilians.

Crocodilians Are Classified as Reptiles; However, They Share a Common