Snakes, also known as snakes, are reptiles that belong to the order of the Squamata or scaly animals, like iguanas, lizards, and chameleons. Characterized by the absence of limbs, snakes are animals that have survived since the Cretaceous period, and today, more than 3,460 species are recorded throughout our planet, although only 450 of them are poisonous. We invite you to read our category on snakes to learn about these reptiles.
Some snakes can measure from 10 cm to 10 meters in length. The skeleton of these amazing reptiles is made up of a large number of vertebrae. For example, pythons have 400 of these bony structures, while snakes only 200.
When it comes to the jaws, the vast majority of snakes have very strong muscles, capable of devouring huge prey in a few hours. In addition, the upper jaw is not strongly attached to the skull, which gives it greater flexibility to swallow large animals in one piece.
Another common feature of snakes is the absence of limbs, although it has been found that pythons and boas have very tiny limbs on their back (however, they do not participate in locomotion, but reproductive work).
On the other hand, the tail of these cold-blooded animals represents 20% of their body length, and this in turn is covered by a skin of scales. Snake eyelids are also transparent scales and are always closed.
Every so often, the skin is renewed in one go, something that allows snakes to eliminate parasites and heal from wounds.
How snakes move
Having no limbs, these animals must use their powerful scales to move around the ground. Specifically, the ventral scales are those that favor forward movement and prevent the snake from deviating to the sides.
Through small undulations that it makes with its body, the snakes thus manage to move at great speed, and their ventral scales are so powerful, that on some occasions, they can even move in a straight line.
How are your senses
The vast majority of snakes have a very poor sense of vision, which is why they must use their tongue to recognize smells and interact with the environment around them. With a characteristic up and down movement, these reptiles show their tongue and return it to their mouth to analyze the information and discover if it is food or imminent danger that lies in wait for them.
Being of the bifid type, its tongue is capable of recognizing a wide spectrum of aromas, and even the direction from which such smells come. On the other hand, it is necessary to emphasize that snakes do not have ears and to listen, they rely on the vibrations of the ground.
However, some species have infrared vision, which allows them to determine the heat of objects and animals around them. Through their senses, snakes can even expel the food they just gobbled up, in case they must escape.
Origin and evolution
Snakes existed on our planet about 150 million years ago. The fossil remains found have been able to determine that the evolutionary origins of snakes these species evolved from aquatic lizards that could measure up to 15 meters in length.
However, snakes have reduced in size over time, something that can be explained by migration from water to land. Jointed jaws are also a sign of evolution in snakes. In addition, it was believed that these animals had limbs and ears that gradually disappeared.
Where snakes live
Snakes have very few natural predators: felines, armadillos, mongooses, crocodiles, and even snakes that feed on snakes. Outside of this, humans are solely responsible for the conservation of these species.
In many countries, snake meat is in high demand, although deforestation and urbanization in some regions also threaten the lives of these reptiles. About their habitat, snakes do not tend to travel long distances, which is why they are common in jungle regions and tropical areas with constant temperatures.
Even so, these animals can also be seen in deserts and savannas, underground, in water, and even in trees.
What is the behavior of snakes?
Snakes can inhabit trees or stay on the ground all the time, depending on whether they have good vision or not. Some species can live up to 40 years, but the hibernation period during winter is common to all snakes.
Generally, these animals seek out cold places and are considered solitary and isolated animals. Rarely will two snakes be seen together, except during the breeding and hibernation season.
Females do not differ much from males, so when they find a specimen of their species, they should approach to make sure that it is a female first. For their part, the females are the ones who determine whether or not they will mate, although it is still unknown how the selection process is carried out.
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