Final answer:
Snakes are descended from lizards, as both are part of the clade Squamata, which evolved from a lepidosaurian ancestor. The group includes modern lizards, snakes, and tuataras, with snakes being tetrapods like their ancient four-limbed ancestors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Snakes are most likely descended from the group of reptiles known as lizards. During the Mesozoic period, diapsids diverged into two groups: the Archosauromorpha, which includes crocodiles and dinosaurs among others, and the Lepidosauromorpha, which includes the lepidosaurs encompassing modern lizards, snakes, and tuataras. Snakes, along with lizards, belong to the clade called Squamata, which evolved from a lepidosaurian ancestor. Thus, the correct answer to which group snakes are most likely descended from is C) lizards.
Furthermore, reptiles are classified in different clades such as Crocodilia (crocodiles and alligators), Sphenodontia (tuataras), Squamata (lizards and snakes), and Testudines (turtles). Among these, Squamata is the largest extant clade of reptiles and specifically includes lizards and snakes, indicating their close evolutionary relationship. It's important to note that snakes are considered tetrapods despite being limbless because they descended from ancestors with four limbs.