History of Snake in Timeline
Snakes are ectothermic, scale-covered reptiles belonging to the suborder Serpentes, characterized by their elongated, limbless bodies. Their uniquely jointed skulls allow them to consume prey much larger than their heads. Snakes' internal organs are positioned linearly due to their narrow bodies, and most function with a single lung. While some species retain remnants of hind limbs, they are legless. This limbless trait, a result of convergent evolution, is also found in various lizard species. However, unlike snakes, many legless lizards possess eyelids and external ears.
1972: Wildlife Protection Act Impacts Snake Charming
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India had a significant impact on the practice of snake charming. The Act effectively outlawed snake charming with the intent to reduce animal cruelty. This legislation contributed to the decline of snake charming as a profession in India.
1972: Irula Tribe and Snake Venom Collection
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India led to a shift in the practices of the Irula tribe, known for their expertise in snake catching. With the ban on the snake-skin industry, the Irulas formed a cooperative and transitioned to catching snakes for venom extraction, which was then used for antivenom production and medical research.
2015: Discovery of Tetrapodophis amplectus
In 2015, a significant discovery was made with the unearthing of a 113-million-year-old fossil of a four-legged snake named Tetrapodophis amplectus in Brazil. This finding provided further support for the hypothesis that snakes evolved from burrowing, four-legged ancestors.
2016: Genetic Basis for Limb Loss in Snakes
In 2016, two independent studies shed light on the genetic basis of limb loss in snakes. The research found that mutations in the Zone of Polarizing Activity Regulatory Sequence (ZRS) of the sonic hedgehog gene, crucial for limb development, were responsible for the absence of limbs in snakes.
2021: Reclassification of Tetrapodophis amplectus
In 2021, a study challenged the classification of Tetrapodophis amplectus as a snake ancestor. The study suggested that the animal may be part of a group of extinct marine lizards known as dolichosaurs from the Cretaceous period, not directly related to snakes.