Answer
Tuataras have captured the attention of zoologists because they have numerous features that are nearly identical to early Mesozoic diapsids from 200 million years ago.
These animals went extinct because humans intentionally or accidentally introduced nonnative animals (such as cats, dogs, goats, rats), which preyed upon the tuataras and their eggs/offspring--ultimately leading to their extinction.
Work Step by Step
Tuataras have captured the attention of zoologists because they have numerous features that are nearly identical to early Mesozoic diapsids from 200 million years ago.
These animals went extinct because humans intentionally or accidentally introduced nonnative animals (such as cats, dogs, goats, rats), which preyed upon the tuataras and their eggs/offspring--ultimately leading to their extinction.
