Snakes are elongated, legless reptiles belonging to the order Squamata, which they share with lizards. They exhibit remarkable diversity, with over 3,000 species adapted to a wide range of habitats worldwide, except Antarctica. Key characteristics of snakes include a highly flexible spine, lack of eyelids, and specialized jaws that allow them to consume prey much larger than their heads. Major snake families include:
- Colubridae: The largest family, mostly non-venomous, with widespread distribution.
- Viperidae: Venomous snakes with long, hinged fangs for delivering venom.
- Elapidae: Venomous snakes with fixed front fangs, including cobras, mambas, and coral snakes.
- Pythonidae: Non-venomous constrictors that kill prey by coiling around and suffocating it.
Snakes do not have legs, which is a distinctive trait compared to many other reptiles.
Snakes belong to the order Squamata, which also includes lizards.
Colubridae, Viperidae, Elapidae, and Pythonidae are major snake families.
Conclusion
Snakes are a diverse and fascinating group of legless reptiles with unique adaptations for survival and predation. Their classification into distinct families reflects a wide range of evolutionary strategies, from venom delivery to constriction.
- Snakes belong to the order Squamata and are closely related to lizards.
- Major families include Colubridae, Viperidae, Elapidae, and Pythonidae.
- Key adaptations include flexible spines, specialized jaws, and the absence of eyelids.