Scandensia ciervensis (Evans and Barbadillo 1998) Early Cretaceous~130 mya ~7 cm skull length was orginally considered a sister to living squamates (Iguania + Scleroglossa), which is correct. This key basal squamate was derived from a sister to MFSN 19235.
Scandensia was basal to Calanguban at the base of the Squamata and Liushusaurus at the base of the Iguania These basal squamates were only half the size of MFSN 19235, which may be a factor in the early success and radiation of lizards.
Overall much smaller than and distinct from MFSN 19235, the skull of Scandensia had a larger orbit and shorter postorbital region. The scapulocoracoid is fused. The limbs and extremities are more gracile. The ventral pelvis is deeper. Tendril-like digits with trenchant claws mark Scandensia as an arboreal climber.
Evans and Barbadillo marked Scandensia as "unusual" because they wanted to fit it into the existing framework of squamates. Unfortunately it doesn't quite fit! Conrad (2008) listed Scandensia as one of the 'squamates' in his study that didn't fit into the natural order.
Bolet and Evans(2011) described new material (LH 20523) they thought belonged to Scandensia, but that specimen nests with Tijubina. |
