What is Order Squamata?
Squamata is an order of reptiles that includes snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenids (“worm-lizards”). It is the largest recent order of reptiles, with over 7,900 species. Squamata accounts for about 96% of living reptile species. The three other living orders alongside Squamata include Crocodilia (crocodiles, gavials, caimans, and alligators), Sphenodontia (just two species of tuatara), and Testudines (turtles and tortoises). Squamates are the order of reptiles most varied in size, ranging from the 16 mm (0.63 in) Jaragua Sphaero (a gecko), which can fit on a quarter, to the 8 m (26 ft) Green Anaconda, which have occasionally consumed humans. Squamata means “scaled reptiles,” which is the distinctive feature of the order: horny scales or shields. Other reptilian orders have scales, but they differ in shape and form from squamate scales. Scales are also known as osteoderms. Another distinctive feature are quadrate bones, which allow the upper jaw to move independently of the braincase, pe
Related Questions
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