Uncovering the Evolutionary History of Three-Finger Snake Toxins
The humble three-finger snake may be one of the most poisonous animals on the planet, but new research reveals its evolutionary history may be even more fascinating than first thought. A team of scientists has now uncovered evidence that suggests that the venom of three-finger snakes evolved independently from other snakes, rather than being derived from a common ancestor. This means that the three-finger snake venom is not only more toxic than its cousins, but also that it has its own unique evolutionary history. The findings, published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, could have implications for understanding the diversity of snake venom and its potential for medical applications.
source: Phys.org