Reptile Family Tree Reorganized

The most comprehensive analysis ever performed of the genetic relationships among all the major groups of snakes, lizards, and other scaly reptiles has resulted in a radical reorganization of the family tree of these animals, requiring new names for many of the tree's new branches.

Many of the new groupings rely on unexpected traits, such as the egg teeth shown at the snout tip of these hatchling red-tailed ratsnakes (Gonyosoma oxycephala).

Another study also reported that some lizard species once thought to be harmless actually produce toxic venom.

--Ker Than

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The Surprising Origin of Venom Revealed

Credit:  Karim Daoues