The Origin of Snakes

Morphology and the Fossil Record

By: Michael Wayne Caldwell

Write A Review

Paperback | 30 September 2021

At a Glance

Paperback
328 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
25.4 x 17.78 x 1.75

Paperback

RRP $96.99

$75.50

22%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $18.88 with

Aims to ship in 7 to 10 business days

This book presents perspectives on the past and present state of the understanding of snake origins. It reviews and critiques data and ideas from paleontology and neontology (herpetology), as well as ideas from morphological and molecular phylogenetics. The author reviews the anatomy and morphology of extant snakes. Methods are also critiqued, including those empirical and theoretical methods employed to hypothesize ancestral ecologies for snakes. The modern debate on squamate phylogeny and snake ingroup phylogeny using molecules and morphology is examined critically to provide insights on origins and evolution.

Key Features

Important major evolutionary transformation in vertebrate evolution
Continuing historical debate in vertebrate paleontology
Of wide interest to a core audience of paleontologists, herpetologists, and morphologists
Author acknowledged as prominent contributor to debate over snake origins
Based on remarkable well preserved fossil specimens

Industry Reviews

"This deep dive into the evolution of the lineage we commonly refer to as snakes examines lines of evidence for how we understand the Mesozoic origins of a number of squamate reptile lineages. A central thesis is the reminder that snakes are not unique in lacking limbs, but instead the lineage of Lepidosaurs we refer to as snakes are characterized by derived and distinct sets of kinetic head morphologies." - R. Graham Reynolds, Biology, University of North Carolina

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.