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[[Image:Lizard_taxa.JPG|thumb|right|400px|''Reptilia Taxonomy'' <br> Sean Bobbit, RVC]]
[[Image:Lizard_taxa.JPG|thumb|right|400px|''Reptilia Taxonomy'' <br> Sean Bobbit, RVC]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[Snake|Snakes]] are the most recently evolved group of [[Reptiles|reptiles]] and have numerous specialisations that distinguish them from other squamates (scaled reptiles). Their [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|musculoskeletal system]] is adapted for creeping, burrowing, swimming and gliding. [[Snake Special Senses|Chemo and thermoreceptors]] are a key feature in their methods of predation, in addition to extreme cranial kinesis and, in some species, [[Snake Handling and Restraint|deadly venoms]].
[[Snake|Snakes]] are the most recently evolved group of [[Reptiles|reptiles]] and have numerous specialisations that distinguish them from other squamates (scaled reptiles). Their [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|musculoskeletal system]] is adapted for [[Snake Locomotion|creeping]], burrowing, swimming and gliding. [[Snake Special Senses|Chemo and thermoreceptors]] are a key feature in their methods of predation, in addition to extreme cranial kinesis and, in some species, [[Snake Handling and Restraint|deadly venoms]].
==Evolution and Taxonomy==
==Evolution and Taxonomy==
Snakes are members of the class Reptilia and order Squamata (scaled reptiles). Squamata is made up of the suborders Serpentes ([[Snake|snakes]]) and Sauria ([[Lizard|lizards]]). Snakes are the most recently evolved group of [[Reptiles|reptiles]]. Their fossil record is limited due to their fragile [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|skeletons]], however recent discoveries of early fossil snakes with posterior legs has generated debate about the origins of their evolution.
Snakes are members of the class Reptilia and order Squamata (scaled reptiles). Squamata is made up of the suborders Serpentes ([[Snake|snakes]]) and Sauria ([[Lizard|lizards]]). Snakes are the most recently evolved group of [[Reptiles|reptiles]]. Their fossil record is limited due to their fragile [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|skeletons]], however recent discoveries of early fossil snakes with posterior legs has generated debate about the origins of their evolution.