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When did all the other species of Sphenodontia go extinct?

Published in Sphenodontia Extinction 1 min read

All species of the order Sphenodontia, with the sole exception of the tuatara, became extinct approximately 60 million years ago.

The order Sphenodontia was once a diverse group, flourishing significantly during the age of the dinosaurs, dating back as far as 200 million years ago. This ancient lineage was well-represented by numerous species across various habitats. However, over time, all members of this order, apart from the resilient tuatara, experienced a decline in their populations. This decline ultimately led to their complete disappearance from the fossil record around 60 million years ago, leaving the tuatara as the last surviving member of this ancient reptilian order.