Snakes evolved probably from burrowing lizards during Cretaceous time. The first poisonous snakes are believed to have first appeared during Miocene time.
The extant Gaboon viper snake (also called the Gaboon adder snake), whose scientific name is Bitis gabonica, is VERY poisonous (its dried venom has a strength of 200 to 1000 mg [note: it only takes 14 mg of venom is enough to kill a human (Wikipedia), and these snake bites are definitely known to have killed humans]. Its venom contains neurotoxin and hemotoxin) (Animal Diversity Web). This snake has the highest venom yield of any animal (Wikipedia). Also, their venom glands are enormous, thus they inject large amounts of venom; in addition, this snake does not release after it bites (Wikipedia). This snake strikes at a speed of 175 to 200 miles per hour). It lives in tropical rainforests, as well as in savannas, of sub-Saharan central Africa. Its geographic distribution is widespread (Animal Diversity Web).
This snake can be up 6 feet, 9 inches long and weight up to 45 pounds (typically less than or equal to 25 pounds). They are the heaviest snakes known, relative to their somewhat short and stout bodies. Their head is large and triangular, with a pair of “horns” between the raised nostrils. Their fangs are up to 2.3 inches long, thus they have the world’s longest fangs for any snake, hence their fangs can go very deep into the body of their prey. They are nocturnal ambush predators, but compared to many other vipers, the Gaboon viper is a sluggish animal. Their complexly colored skin, which can be highly variable in its color, provides excellent camouflage. They are most active around sunset and lie perfectly still, blending in extremely well with leaf litter on the forest floor.
References Consulted: Both are very informative.
Animal Diversity Web. Bitis gabonica Gaboon Viper. University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology.
en.Wikipedia.org
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