Diverse Species

There are over 3,000 known species of snakes worldwide, ranging from tiny threadsnakes that are just a few inches long to massive pythons that can exceed 30 feet in length.

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Limbless Reptiles

Snakes are limbless reptiles, which means they don't have legs. Instead, they move by slithering, using their muscles and scales to push themselves forward.

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Venomous vs. Non-venomous

Not all snakes are venomous. In fact, only around 600 species are venomous. Venomous snakes have specialized glands and fangs to inject venom into their prey, while non-venomous snakes rely on constriction or other methods to catch their food.

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Eyes and Senses

Snakes have excellent senses. Their eyes can detect movement but have limited clarity, so they rely heavily on their sense of smell, heat-sensing pits (in pit vipers), and vibrations through the ground to locate prey and navigate their environment.

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Flexible Jaws

Snakes have extremely flexible jaws that allow them to swallow prey whole. Their lower jaw is not connected in the front, enabling them to stretch their mouths around prey items much larger than their heads.

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Ecdysis

Snakes shed their skin periodically in a process called ecdysis. This helps them grow, remove parasites, and renew damaged scales. Before shedding, their eyes become cloudy, and they may become more irritable.

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Longevity

Some snake species can live for a long time. For example, the ball python can live up to 30 years in captivity, while some larger species may have shorter lifespans.

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Habitat and Distribution

Snakes can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including deserts, rainforests, grasslands, and even some urban areas.

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Camouflage

Many snakes have evolved to have camouflage patterns on their skin, helping them blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. Some venomous snakes also use this camouflage to ambush prey.

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Conservation

Snakes face various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and persecution. While some species are endangered, others are thriving. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these important members of ecosystems.

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