For the longest time, it has been assumed that Elapoidea snakes originated from Africa, based on the discovery of a 25 million-year-old fossil. Recent genetic research tells us something quite different, though – it tells us that this group of snakes, in fact, originated in Asia 35 million years ago.
Initially, the gap between 25 and 35 million years might seem trivial, but after all, there is a 10 million year difference – and a looot can happen in 10 million years.
A Paradigm Shift in Snake Evolution
For years, scientists believed that the Elapoidea superfamily of snakes, which includes over 700 species, originated in Africa. However, new genetic evidence reveals that these snakes first emerged in Asia approximately 35 million years ago.
This groundbreaking discovery challenges long-standing theories and rewrites the evolutionary history of these snakes.
Snakes Slithering Out of Africa
The prevailing theory suggested that elapoid snakes evolved in Africa, with the earliest fossil evidence dating back 25 million years. This belief was supported by the discovery of ancient African file snakes and genetic studies, albeit limited in scope. However, the new findings have prompted scientists to reconsider this narrative.
Analyzing DNA From 65 Snake Species
Researchers recently conducted an extensive genetic study, analyzing DNA from 65 snake species across 22 families and comparing over 3,100 genetic markers.
This data, combined with previously published genetic information from 434 other snake species, helped construct a detailed evolutionary tree, showing that elapoids likely originated in Asia.
Tracing Their Origin 35 Million Years Back
The new research indicates that the ancestors of elapoid snakes first emerged in Asia around 35 million years ago. The study identifies Southeast Asian snakes, such as mock vipers and cyclocorids, as the earliest to diverge from the common ancestor, supporting the theory of an Asian origin for these snakes.
How Did Snakes Spread? Multiple Migrations to Africa
The study suggests that elapoid snakes colonized Africa in at least four separate migrations. These events occurred around 30 million years ago, with the ancestors of African cobras, garter snakes, and mambas making their way to the continent.
Challenging the Out-of-Africa Theory
The discovery of an Asian origin for elapoid snakes challenges the long-held “out-of-Africa” hypothesis. This theory has been widely accepted due to the age of African fossils and previous genetic studies. However, the new genetic evidence calls for a revision of this hypothesis, highlighting the need for further research.
While this opens doors for more research and more accurate answers, it particularly highlights that even when we think we know everything, there’s always so much more to discover.
Implications for Evolutionary and Medical Research
Elapoid snakes are crucial for evolutionary and medical research, particularly due to their venomous species. Understanding their true origins helps scientists better understand their evolution and diversification. Beyond this, it could also lead to new insights in the study of snake venom and its applications in medicine.
Did Snakes Exist During Dinosaur Times?
Yes, snakes did exist during the time of the dinosaurs. Fossil evidence shows that early snakes emerged around 167 million years ago, during the Jurassic period. These ancient snakes coexisted with dinosaurs and were likely small, burrowing creatures that looked quite different from the snakes we know today.
How Closely Related Are Snakes and Dinosaurs?
Snakes and dinosaurs share a distant common ancestor, but they belong to different branches of the reptile family tree. While both are reptiles, snakes are more closely related to modern lizards than to dinosaurs. Dinosaurs, on the other hand, are more closely related to birds, with many evolving into the avian species we see today.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Snake Evolution
The discovery that more than 100 snake species likely originated in Asia rather than Africa marks a significant shift in our understanding of snake evolution. As researchers continue to explore these findings, the history of elapoid snakes is being rewritten, offering a fresh perspective on their fascinating journey across the globe.
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