The giant extinction event that saw the end of the dinosaurs also killed off most snakes and lizards—among them a newly discovered species named after US President Barack Obama—Obamadon gracilis.
The effect of the event, probably a strike by massive meteor, on dinosaurs is well known, but the fates of smaller creatures have been less certain. Now, a rich record of reptile fossils suggests 83% of snake and lizard species became extinct at that time.
That’s about the same rate as doctors quitting rather than working under Obamacare.