Toxicofera (Greek or Latin for "those who carry toxins"), is a hypothetical clade of living Squamata (lizards and snakes). It includes about 4600 living species. This is all venomous reptile species, plus related non-venomous species.
The clade was identified when research showed that the evolution of venom was very ancient, and that it might have occurred only once.
A: Toxicofera is a hypothetical clade of Squamata, specifically comprising of all venomous reptile species, as well as related non-venomous species.
A: Toxicofera means "those who carry toxins" in Greek or Latin.
A: About 4600 living species are included in Toxicofera.
A: The significance of Toxicofera lies in the fact that it was identified when research showed that the evolution of venom was very ancient and that it might have occurred only once.
A: Venomous species in Toxicofera have the ability to produce and deliver toxin or venom, while non-venomous species lack this ability.
A: A clade is a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all descendants of that ancestor.
A: Researchers identified Toxicofera when they found evidence that the evolution of venom was a very ancient occurrence and that it might have only happened once, thus placing all venomous and related non-venomous species in the same clade.
