Journal article

Integration of molecules and new fossils supports a Triassic origin for Lepidosauria (lizards, snakes, and tuatara)

Marc EH Jones, Cajsa Lisa Anderson, Christy A Hipsley, Johannes Mueller, Susan E Evans, Rainer R Schoch

BMC EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY | BMC | Published : 2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lepidosauria (lizards, snakes, tuatara) is a globally distributed and ecologically important group of over 9,000 reptile species. The earliest fossil records are currently restricted to the Late Triassic and often dated to 227 million years ago (Mya). As these early records include taxa that are relatively derived in their morphology (e.g. Brachyrhinodon), an earlier unknown history of Lepidosauria is implied. However, molecular age estimates for Lepidosauria have been problematic; dates for the most recent common ancestor of all lepidosaurs range between approximately 226 and 289 Mya whereas estimates for crown-group Squamata (lizards and snakes) vary more dramatically: 179 to 2..

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University of Melbourne Researchers