Palaeocast Author: Palaeocast A free webseries exploring the fossil record and the evolution of life on Earth. Be a guest on this podcast Language: en Genres: Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

Episode 172: Rhynchocephalians
Episode 172
Thursday, 5 February, 2026

Today, there is only one living species of rhynchocephalian: the tuatara of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Despite today's paucity of species, this was once a diverse group of reptiles, with a wide range of lifestyles from swimming in the ocean to climbing trees. Once highly abundant around the world, reasons for their decline are still debated and may have had to do with competition from their relatives, the squamates, or changing environments. Rhynchocephalians are related to lizards and snakes within Lepidosauria, but despite their outward appearance, are not lizards themselves and have a number of differences that make them distinct. In this interview, we speak to Dr. Victor Beccari, an expert in rhynchocephalians, and discuss this and more about this fascinating group of reptiles.

We also recommend:

Geological landforms: Dorset and The Isle of Skye - for iPod/iPhone
The Open University

Chimica Organica I « Federica
Angela Zampella

ABM Webinar Series
ABM Webinar

The Nucleus
Noor Al Wattar & Dania Chatila

Where Does It Go?
Where Does It Go? A Podcast

Living Cells

TOMMYS PODCAST

The A.D.I.O. Podcast
Dr. Jason, Dr. Ryan, and Dr. Josh

Tonspur Wissen - der Podcast von Rheinischer Post und Leibniz-Gemeinschaft
Rheinische Post/Leibniz-Gemeinschaft

MedEdTalks - Primary Care
Vindico Medical Education

Jonathan Bravo 876
cylotec 15

Life on the Upcycle Podcast
Life on the Upcycle Podcast