Definitions for "Squamata"
diapsid reptiles: snakes and lizards
One of the four Orders of reptiles. The only other Order found in Canada is Testudines (the turtles). The other two Orders are Crocodylia (the crocodiles and alligators) and Rhynchocephalia (represented by a single lizard-like species from New Zealand, the Tuatara). Squamata includes both the lizards and the snakes, because the two groups are closely related. One can think of snakes as a highly specialized group of lizards with no legs. There are also some reptiles with no legs that are consider lizards rather than snakes because of the greater similarity to most lizards. Some authorities consider snakes and lizards distinct enough to each be a separate Order. In total there are over 6 000 species of snakes and lizards around the world.
A division of edentates having the body covered with large, imbricated horny scales. It includes the pangolins.