Snakes are carnivorous reptiles and their elongated body shape makes them unmistakeable throughout the animal kingdom. With roughly 3,500 distinct species, snakes are present on every continent except Antarctica and can range from between 10 centimetres and almost 9 metres in length. The shortest known species of snake is the Thread snake and the longest is the Reticulated Python.
The origin of the snake is a fairly contentious topic but there are 2 main theories. The primary theory is that the snake evolved from burrowing lizards; the elongated body developed for the purpose of efficient travel below the earth. The other idea sees the snake develop from aquatic lizards and ultimately relocate on land. Regardless of what the truth may be, it seems to have been lost over time but there are numerous biological features of modern snakes which seem to support both theories.
All snakes are carnivorous with numerous species exhibiting cannibalistic behaviour. Although there are a large number of various types of snake, there are 2 primary techniques used to kill prey. It is a common misunderstanding that all snakes are venomous, in actual fact; only 10-15% of snakes are venomous and eliminate their victim by administering venom though biting. A more popular method of killing among snakes is constriction; by wrapping themselves tightly about their prey they're able to limit breathing and immobilise their target.
Irrespective of the killing method used by snakes, the means of consumption is almost identical. Specially evolved jaws are able to dislocate and allow the snake to eat their prey whole. Snakes have the ability to consume prey far larger than themselves and it is typical for them to continue digestion for several days, even weeks.
One of the most symbolic characteristic of the snake is the fork tongue, not merely for aesthetics, the fork tongue is used to detect chemical modifications in the atmosphere and communicate the information into the jacobson's organ. This process can pick up on the presence of both predators and prey and is the snake's primary method of navigation.
Snakes and humans have a somewhat love hate relationship. While there are millions all over the world who are petrified of snakes, there are also millions who keep them as pets at home in specialist environments called vivariums. Predominantly through misguided beliefs and dramatisation the snake has become the subject of nightmares for many people;although their fierce reputation maybe somewhat unjust, venomous snakes claim the lives of thousands of people each year. The most venomous snake on land is the Inland Taipan and every snake contains sufficient venom to kill over 100 humans.
The origin of the snake is a fairly contentious topic but there are 2 main theories. The primary theory is that the snake evolved from burrowing lizards; the elongated body developed for the purpose of efficient travel below the earth. The other idea sees the snake develop from aquatic lizards and ultimately relocate on land. Regardless of what the truth may be, it seems to have been lost over time but there are numerous biological features of modern snakes which seem to support both theories.
All snakes are carnivorous with numerous species exhibiting cannibalistic behaviour. Although there are a large number of various types of snake, there are 2 primary techniques used to kill prey. It is a common misunderstanding that all snakes are venomous, in actual fact; only 10-15% of snakes are venomous and eliminate their victim by administering venom though biting. A more popular method of killing among snakes is constriction; by wrapping themselves tightly about their prey they're able to limit breathing and immobilise their target.
Irrespective of the killing method used by snakes, the means of consumption is almost identical. Specially evolved jaws are able to dislocate and allow the snake to eat their prey whole. Snakes have the ability to consume prey far larger than themselves and it is typical for them to continue digestion for several days, even weeks.
One of the most symbolic characteristic of the snake is the fork tongue, not merely for aesthetics, the fork tongue is used to detect chemical modifications in the atmosphere and communicate the information into the jacobson's organ. This process can pick up on the presence of both predators and prey and is the snake's primary method of navigation.
Snakes and humans have a somewhat love hate relationship. While there are millions all over the world who are petrified of snakes, there are also millions who keep them as pets at home in specialist environments called vivariums. Predominantly through misguided beliefs and dramatisation the snake has become the subject of nightmares for many people;although their fierce reputation maybe somewhat unjust, venomous snakes claim the lives of thousands of people each year. The most venomous snake on land is the Inland Taipan and every snake contains sufficient venom to kill over 100 humans.
About the Author:
Snakes are fascinating creatures and make wonderful pets. Naturally Grown provide a wide range of Vivariums and Vivarium Equipment. From Vivarium Starter Kits to Decorations, there is everything you need to establish your environment.
