What is the connecting link between reptiles and mammals?
James Craig
Updated on March 30, 2026
Simply so, why might scientists consider monotremes to be a link between reptiles and mammals?
The duck billed platypus. It is the connective link between reptiles and mammals. Monotremes [platypus] and prototherians [echidna, ant eaters] are not considered true mammals, because they do not have a true placenta, which is exclusive to eutherians [cats, dogs, humans etc].
Secondly, what is the link between birds and reptiles? Archaeopteryx is a connecting link between reptiles and birds as it possesses characteristics of both birds and reptiles. Archaeopteryx possessed a long tail, teeth in jaws, long neck with cervical vertebrae, all are reptilian characters. Like birds, it had wings and beak.
In this manner, what is the connecting link between amphibians and reptiles?
Seymouria is the connecting link between amphibians and reptiles.
Why is Archaeopteryx considered as the connecting link between reptiles and birds?
Archaeopteryx is considered as a connecting link between reptiles and birds because it looks like a bird and has wings like birds. However, its teeth and tail are like those of reptiles. thereby suggesting that birds have evolved from reptiles.