Snakes
Snakes
Snakes (/sneɪks/; from Old English snaca) are elongated, legless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes. Unlike lizards, they do not have eyelids and external ears.
Etymology
The word "snake" comes from the Old English snaca, which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic *snak-an- (to crawl, creep), which also gave Old Norse snakr ("snake"), Swedish snok, and German Schnecke ("snail").
Characteristics
Snakes are distinguished from other reptiles by their lack of eyelids and external ears. They have flexible jaws which allow them to eat prey larger than their head, and their unique skeletal structure enables them to move smoothly and swiftly. Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats including water, trees, deserts and grasslands.
Types of Snakes
There are over 3,000 species of snakes. Some of the most well-known include the python, cobra, and rattlesnake. Each species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Python
The python is a large, non-venomous snake found in Africa and Asia. They are known for their ability to constrict their prey.
Cobra
Cobras are venomous snakes known for their ability to "stand" by raising the front part of their bodies off the ground and spreading their necks (or hoods).
Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes found in North and South America. They are known for the rattle at the end of their tails, which they shake when threatened.
Related Terms
- Venom: A toxic substance produced by certain types of snakes, used to immobilize or kill prey.
- Constriction: A method used by some snakes to kill their prey by wrapping their bodies around the prey and squeezing.
- Hibernation: A state of inactivity and metabolic depression in endotherms. Some snakes hibernate during the winter.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Snakes
- Wikipedia's article - Snakes
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