The influence of foraging mode in snake evolution : lessons from a snake analogue, Burton's legless lizard (Lialis burtonis Gray, Pygopodidae)
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Open Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
Doctor of PhilosophyAuthor/s
Wall, MichaelAbstract
Foraging mode is repeatedly invoked as a powerful and pervasive force in snake evolution, because active foragers and ambushers differ in many significant morphological, physiological, and behavioural characteristics.
However, foraging mode is highly conservative phylogenetically ...
See moreForaging mode is repeatedly invoked as a powerful and pervasive force in snake evolution, because active foragers and ambushers differ in many significant morphological, physiological, and behavioural characteristics. However, foraging mode is highly conservative phylogenetically in snakes, and most taxa that have been studied in any detail belong to one of two families: viperids (which almost all hunt by ambush) and colubrids (which are mostly active searchers). Therefore, it is difficult to know if the observed differences result from disparate foraging modes or from divergent evolutionary histories.
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See moreForaging mode is repeatedly invoked as a powerful and pervasive force in snake evolution, because active foragers and ambushers differ in many significant morphological, physiological, and behavioural characteristics. However, foraging mode is highly conservative phylogenetically in snakes, and most taxa that have been studied in any detail belong to one of two families: viperids (which almost all hunt by ambush) and colubrids (which are mostly active searchers). Therefore, it is difficult to know if the observed differences result from disparate foraging modes or from divergent evolutionary histories.
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Date
2005Rights statement
The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission.Faculty/School
Faculty of Science, School of Biological SciencesAwarding institution
The University of SydneyShare