Toxicofera: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:27, 18 February 2025

Clade of venomous reptiles

Toxicofera is a clade of squamate reptiles that includes all venomous reptile species. This group encompasses a wide range of species, including snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenians. The clade was proposed based on molecular data that suggested a common ancestry for all venomous squamates.

Etymology[edit]

The name "Toxicofera" is derived from the Greek words "toxico" meaning "poison" and "fera" meaning "bearing" or "carrying". This name reflects the presence of venom in the species within this clade.

Classification[edit]

Toxicofera is divided into three main groups:

Serpentes (snakes)
Iguania (iguanas and related lizards)
Anguimorpha (monitor lizards and their relatives)

Venom[edit]

The venom of Toxicofera species is used primarily for predation and defense. It is a complex mixture of proteins and enzymes that can immobilize or kill prey. The evolution of venom in this clade is thought to have occurred once, with subsequent diversification leading to the wide variety of venom types seen today.

Evolution[edit]

The evolutionary history of Toxicofera suggests that venomous capabilities evolved early in the squamate lineage. Fossil evidence and molecular studies indicate that the common ancestor of Toxicofera lived approximately 200 million years ago.

Images[edit]

Varanus exanthematicus
Iguana delicatissima

Related pages[edit]

Mexican ridged-nosed rattlesnake
Python natalensis
Platecarpus tympaniticus
Varanus exanthematicus
Iguana delicatissima

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Taxobox
+{{short description|Clade of venomous reptiles}}
-| name = Toxicofera
+[[File:Mexican_ridged_nosed_rattlesnake_head.jpg|thumb|Mexican rattlesnake head]]
-| image = Toxicofera_clade.png
+[[File:Mexican_ridged_nosed_rattlesnake_head.jpg|Mexican ridged-nosed rattlesnake|left|thumb]]
-| image_caption = Phylogenetic tree of Toxicofera
+[[File:Python_natalensis_Smith_1840_white_background.jpg|Python natalensis|thumb]]
-| regnum = [[Animalia]]
+[[File:Platecarpus_tympaniticus.jpg|Platecarpus tympaniticus|thumb]]
-| phylum = [[Chordata]]
+'''Toxicofera''' is a clade of [[squamate]] reptiles that includes all venomous reptile species. This group encompasses a wide range of species, including snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenians. The clade was proposed based on molecular data that suggested a common ancestry for all venomous squamates.
-| classis = [[Reptilia]]
-| unranked_ordo = [[Toxicofera]]
-| subdivision_ranks = Subgroups
-| subdivision = * [[Serpentes]] (snakes)
-* [[Anguimorpha]] (including [[monitor lizards]])
-* [[Iguania]] (including [[iguanas]])
-}}
-'''Toxicofera''' is a clade of [[squamate]] reptiles that includes all venomous reptiles and their closest relatives. This group encompasses a wide variety of species, including all [[snakes]] and certain lizard families such as [[monitor lizards]], [[Gila monsters]], and [[iguanas]]. The name "Toxicofera" means "those who bear toxins," reflecting the presence of venom in many of its members.
+==Etymology==
+The name "Toxicofera" is derived from the Greek words "toxico" meaning "poison" and "fera" meaning "bearing" or "carrying". This name reflects the presence of venom in the species within this clade.
-==Overview==
+==Classification==
-The concept of Toxicofera was first proposed in 2003 by researchers who used molecular phylogenetic studies to demonstrate that venomous capabilities evolved once in the common ancestor of this group. This finding was significant because it suggested that venom evolved only once in squamates, rather than multiple times independently.
+Toxicofera is divided into three main groups:
-==Evolutionary Significance==
+* [[Serpentes]] (snakes)
-The evolutionary significance of Toxicofera lies in its unified origin of venom. Venom is a complex trait that involves the production of toxic proteins used for predation and defense. The presence of venom in Toxicofera members is believed to have provided evolutionary advantages, such as improved prey capture and deterrence of predators.
+* [[Iguania]] (iguanas and related lizards)
+* [[Anguimorpha]] (monitor lizards and their relatives)
-==Venom Composition==
+==Venom==
-Venom in Toxicofera is composed of a variety of proteins and enzymes, each with specific functions. These can include:
+The venom of Toxicofera species is used primarily for predation and defense. It is a complex mixture of proteins and enzymes that can immobilize or kill prey. The evolution of venom in this clade is thought to have occurred once, with subsequent diversification leading to the wide variety of venom types seen today.
-* [[Neurotoxins]] - Affect the nervous system, causing paralysis.
-* [[Hemotoxins]] - Disrupt blood clotting and damage tissues.
-* [[Cytotoxins]] - Destroy cells, leading to tissue necrosis.
-The composition of venom can vary significantly between species, reflecting adaptations to different ecological niches and prey types.
+==Evolution==
+The evolutionary history of Toxicofera suggests that venomous capabilities evolved early in the squamate lineage. Fossil evidence and molecular studies indicate that the common ancestor of Toxicofera lived approximately 200 million years ago.
-==Phylogenetic Relationships==
+==Images==
-Toxicofera is divided into three main subgroups:
+<gallery>
-* [[Serpentes]]: This group includes all snakes, which are entirely carnivorous and many of which are venomous.
+File:Zoology_of_Egypt_(1898)_(Varanus_exanthematicus).png|Varanus exanthematicus
-* [[Anguimorpha]]: This includes families such as [[Varanidae]] (monitor lizards) and [[Helodermatidae]] (Gila monsters), both of which have venomous members.
+File:Iguana_delicatissima_-_1800-1839_-_Print_-_Iconographia_Zoologica_-_(Iguana_delicatissima).jpg|Iguana delicatissima
-* [[Iguania]]: While most iguanas are not venomous, some species have been found to possess venom glands, although their venom is not harmful to humans.
+</gallery>
-==Research and Implications==
+==Related pages==
-Research into Toxicofera has implications for understanding the evolution of venom and its role in ecological interactions. It also has potential applications in medicine, as venom components can be used to develop new drugs and treatments.
-==Also see==
 * [[Squamata]]
 * [[Venom]]
 * [[Reptile]]
-* [[Evolution of venom]]
-{{Reptile-stub}}
 [[Category:Reptiles]]
 [[Category:Venomous animals]]
-[[Category:Squamata]]
+<gallery>
+File:Mexican_ridged_nosed_rattlesnake_head.jpg|Mexican ridged-nosed rattlesnake
+File:Python_natalensis_Smith_1840_white_background.jpg|Python natalensis
+File:Platecarpus_tympaniticus.jpg|Platecarpus tympaniticus
+File:Zoology_of_Egypt_(1898)_(Varanus_exanthematicus).png|Varanus exanthematicus
+File:Iguana_delicatissima_-_1800-1839_-_Print_-_Iconographia_Zoologica_-_(Iguana_delicatissima).jpg|Iguana delicatissima
+</gallery>