The Jurassic rise of squamates as supported by lepidosaur disparity and evolutionary rates

Scientists have found that a key modern group of reptiles that includes lizards and snakesdiverged 50 million years earlier than previously thought.

The current consensus that the radiation of squamates happened in the Cretaceous period is challenged by new research published today in eLife. The rise of flowering plants is thought to have triggered a great change in the distribution of mammals, lizards and birds.

A new study, led by Dr. Bolet, suggests that there was a radiation of squamates. The research concluded that this group of reptiles probably achieved a diverse array of adaptations in the dinosaur period. The key is in their body.

The dinosaurs did not show primitive morphologies, but they did show lizards that were related to modern groups.

The times of divergence, morphospace plots and evolutionary rates all show that the time of innovation in squamate evolution was during the time of the dinosaurs. The results show that the sudden increase in diversity could be related to an improved fossil record, or to a burst of new species related to the new kinds of forests and insects.

The largest order of lizards, snakes, and worm lizards are the Squamata. Their skins are covered with horny scales. They are a key part of the modern fauna, with an amazing diversity of more than 10,000 species. Understanding the evolutionary paths that led to their success is still poorly understood.

Establishing the timing and mode of radiation of squamates is important for understanding how the group achieved an astonishing diversity of more than 10,000 species, only rivaled by birds.

More information: Arnau Bolet et al, The Jurassic rise of squamates as supported by lepidosaur disparity and evolutionary rates, eLife (2022). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.66511 Journal information: eLife Citation: The Jurassic rise of squamates as supported by lepidosaur disparity and evolutionary rates (2022, May 3) retrieved 3 May 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-05-jurassic-squamates-lepidosaur-disparity-evolutionary.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.