- F. Harvey Pough, F. Harvey PoughProfessor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
- William E. Bemis, William E. BemisProfessor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Faculty Curator of Ichthyology, Cornell University
- Betty McguireBetty McguireSenior Lecturer, Cornell University
- , and Christine M. JanisChristine M. JanisProfessor Emerita of Biology, Brown University, USA, Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
Abstract
This chapter explains how the crown group Lepidosauria is one of the two largest clades of tetrapods. It looks into the diverse groups of lepidosaurs and their body forms and habitats. Extant lepidosaurs branched into two lineages: a single species of rhynchocephalian (also known as the tuatara), and more than 11,000 species of squamates. Mriad specializations have arisen in different groups in regard to feeding and foraging, social behavior, and reproduction. The chapter elaborates on the evolution of lepidosaurs in terms of skull kinesis, feeding, predator avoidance, and social behavior. It mentions that anthropogenic climate change poses major threats to the lineage of lepidosaurs.
