Which groups besides snakes are explicitly included in the diverse Order Squamata?
Answer
Lizards and amphisbaenians
The Order Squamata is an extremely large and diverse taxonomic grouping within the Class Reptilia. The membership of this order is comprehensive, encompassing all animals categorized as snakes, as well as lizards and the lesser-known amphisbaenians, often referred to as worm lizards. The key shared anatomical feature uniting these diverse forms within Squamata is the presence of kinetic skulls, which afford a wide range of jaw movement, and the characteristic covering of overlapping epidermal scales. The divergence that separated snakes from lizards occurred entirely within the boundaries of this particular order.
Related Questions
What specific dental structure defines Heterodon nasicus's placement in Family Colubridae?Which physical adaptation defines the Genus Heterodon for H. nasicus, aiding in its fossorial behavior?What characteristic of Class Reptilia dictates that H. nasicus must bask in the sun to become active?Which groups besides snakes are explicitly included in the diverse Order Squamata?What does the specific species designation nasicus signify regarding the morphology of Heterodon nasicus?What primary characteristic places H. nasicus in Kingdom Animalia instead of the Plant Kingdom?How does the Colubridae family placement affect the specialized captive diet requirements for H. nasicus?What ancestral feature confirms H. nasicus's developmental inclusion in Phylum Chordata?Besides the pointed snout, what visual trait helps confirm the H. nasicus species identification in the field?How does the Colubridae placement contrast H. nasicus with Vipers or Cobras regarding venom apparatus structure?