This document discusses the evolution and characteristics of reptiles. It describes how labyrinthodont amphibians gave rise to stem reptiles like cotylosaurs, which then gave rise to all modern reptiles and mammals. The key characteristics of reptiles are true claws, amniotic eggs, lack of metamorphosis, and different skull and tooth types among subclasses. Reptiles are divided into subclasses like anapsids, diapsids, and synapsids. Dinosaur groups are also classified based on pelvis shape. Birds evolved from feathered, toothed dinosaurs and have adaptations like a keeled sternum for flight.