Turtles are nearest to

Options

A. Lizards than snakes
B. Sphenodon than lizards
C. Dipnoi than Aves
D. Crocodiles than lizards

Answer

To determine what turtles are nearest to, we need to analyze their classification and relationships within the animal kingdom. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Classification of Turtles
- Turtles belong to the phylum **Chordata** and the subphylum **Vertebrata**.
- Within this subphylum, they are classified under the class **Reptilia**.

**Hint:** Remember that turtles are reptiles, which helps narrow down their closest relatives.

### Step 2: Understand the Order of Turtles
- Turtles fall under the order **Testudines**. This order includes both turtles and tortoises.
- Turtles are primarily aquatic, while tortoises are terrestrial.

**Hint:** Distinguishing between turtles and tortoises can help clarify their ecological adaptations.

### Step 3: Explore Relationships with Other Reptiles
- To find out what turtles are nearest to, we need to compare them with other reptiles.
- The options given include lizards, snakes, sphenodonts, dipnoids, apes, and crocodiles.

**Hint:** Focus on the genetic lineage and evolutionary relationships among reptiles.

### Step 4: Analyze the Closest Relatives
- Turtles are more closely related to **sphenodonts** (scientifically known as **Sphenodon**, commonly referred to as Tuatara) than to lizards.
- Sphenodonts share a distinct genetic lineage with turtles, making them their nearest relatives.

**Hint:** Consider the evolutionary tree of reptiles to understand the relationships better.

### Step 5: Eliminate Other Options
- **Lizards** and **snakes** are part of the same class (Reptilia) but are not as closely related to turtles as sphenodonts.
- **Dipnoids** (lungfish) and **apes** are not reptiles, and **crocodiles** are also not the closest relatives to turtles.

**Hint:** Use the process of elimination to narrow down the options based on classification.

### Conclusion
Based on the classification and evolutionary relationships, the answer is that turtles are nearest to **sphenodonts** (Tuataras) rather than lizards.

**Final Answer:** Turtles are nearest to **sphenodonts** (Tuataras) than to lizards.