Squamata
Limb reduction
- Prevalent during squamate evolution
- >60 clades have experienced limb reduction
- Serpentes, Amphisbaenia, and many groups of “lizards” (especially skinks)
Venom production
- Present in two major squamate groups:
- Serpentes _ viperids, elapids, and some colubrids
- Helodermatidae (Gila Monster & Beaded Lizards)
- Prey incapacitation, food digestion, and defense