Class Reptilia, also known as reptiles, encompasses a diverse group of animals that includes snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, and several other species. Synonyms for this class include Reptilia, Sauropsida, and Chelonia, depending on the level of specificity and classification system being used. While Reptilia is a widely-recognized term, some taxonomists prefer to use the term Sauropsida as it includes reptiles as well as birds, which share several key characteristics with their extinct reptilian ancestors. Meanwhile, Chelonia refers specifically to turtles and tortoises, which are recognized for their unique armored shells. Regardless of the synonym used, Class Reptilia represents an important and fascinating group of animals.