How many species of Squamata are there?
How many species of Squamata are there? Squamates are a diverse group of legged and legless lizards, including snakes. There are nearly 8,000 squamate species. What makes something a Squamata? Squamates (Squamata) are the most diverse of all the reptile groups, with approximately 7400 living species. Squamates include lizards, snakes, and worm lizards. There are two characteristics that unite the squamates. The first is that they shed their skin periodically. Is a tuatara a Squamate? Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) are reptiles endemic to New Zealand. Although resembling most lizards, they are part of a distinct lineage, the order Rhynchocephalia. Their most...