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Phylogeny

Phylogeny

Phylogeny is concerned with the evolutionary diversification of organisms or groups of organisms. A group of organisms with a name is called a taxon (singular). Taxa (plural) can span different levels of the evolutionary hierarchy. For instance, the group containing all birds is a taxon (comprising the class Aves), and the group of all species of daisies (the genus Bellis) is a taxon. Phylogenies can likewise include just one genus (i.e., depict species relationships) or span an entire kingdom.

What is Evolutionary History?

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.

The Evidence for Evolution

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.

Convergent Evolution

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.

Teeth

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In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...

Tooth Anatomy

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The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
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Updated: Apr 29, 2026

The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture

The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture

Published on: November 14, 2013

Evolutionary origin and development of snake fangs.

Freek J Vonk¹, Jeroen F Admiraal, Kate Jackson

¹Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Kaiserstraat 63, PO Box 9516, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.

|August 1, 2008

Summary

Snake fangs, whether front or rear, likely share a common evolutionary origin. A developmental shift allowed posterior teeth to evolve independently, contributing to snake diversity.

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary developmental biology
Comparative anatomy
Herpetology

Background:

Advanced snakes possess fangs, specialized teeth linked to venom glands, crucial for predation and defense.
Fangs are categorized as front- (e.g., cobras, vipers) or rear-positioned (e.g., grass snakes) in the upper jaw.
A key debate in snake evolution concerns the shared evolutionary and developmental origin of front and rear fangs.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the evolutionary and developmental origins of front and rear fangs in snakes.
To determine if front and rear fangs are homologous structures.
To propose a new model for the evolution of snake fangs based on developmental insights.

Main Methods:

Examined tooth-forming epithelium in the upper jaw of 96 snake embryos across eight species.
Utilized the sonic hedgehog gene as a developmental marker.
Reconstructed fang development in 41 embryos using 3D imaging techniques.

Main Results:

Front fangs originate from the posterior upper jaw, exhibiting developmental similarities to rear fangs, suggesting homology.
In front-fanged snakes, developmental processes displace fangs from their posterior origin to an anterior adult position.
Rear fangs develop from an independent posterior dental lamina, retaining their posterior location.

Conclusions:

Front and rear fangs are likely homologous, originating from a common posterior developmental source.
A developmental decoupling of a posterior tooth-forming region facilitated independent evolution and modification of fangs.
This developmental innovation may have driven the significant radiation and diversity of advanced snakes.