Parareptiles are a group of ancient reptiles that lived during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. They are characterized by their unique skull structure and are considered to be closely related to the ancestors of modern reptiles. Parareptiles include various species, such as turtles and procolophonids, which exhibit diverse adaptations to their environments. These creatures are distinct from other reptiles, like dinosaurs and crocodilians, due to their specific evolutionary traits. Parareptiles played a significant role in the development of reptilian life on Earth, showcasing the diversity and complexity of early reptilian evolution.