Phylogenomics of Snakes

AbstractReduced representation genome sequencing has ushered in new methods for understanding how life evolved on earth. These methods utilise genetic data in the form of dozens, hundreds or even thousands of loci to estimate phylogenetic relationships. This approach, often termed phylogenomic analysis, has the potential to resolve controversial evolutionary relationships, particularly among ancient, rapid radiations. Among vertebrates, phylogenomic analyses are increasingly applied to an iconic group of reptiles, snakes. Phylogenomic analyses of snakes have begun to shed light on long‐standing questions including relationships among snake families, their origin among squamate reptiles and putative causes of speciation within recent radiations. In addition, these methods may even be used to obtain genetic data from archival museum specimens. This emerging approach for understanding snake evolution will be improved by whole genome sequencing initiatives that include a diverse group of snake species.Key ConceptsSnakes are important study systems for human physiology and medicine.Snakes are important predators in ecosystems/important to maintaining ecosystem health.Robust phylogenetic hypotheses are necessary to understand snake evolution.Genome‐wide data offer unprecedented opportunities to resolve snake phylogeny and the tree of life.Phylogenomic analyses of snakes will aid biologists and medical researchers worldwide.