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SnakesLoading...
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- One of my favorite animals
- Reptilia class
- Limbless
Description
Snakes are limbless reptiles, who are covered in overlapping scales and are carnivorous.
Many species of snakes have skulls with several more joints than their lizard ancestors, enabling them to swallow prey much larger than their heads.
Living snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, and there are about 3,900 species. They can be colorful and some even dangerous.
Many species of snakes have skulls with several more joints than their lizard ancestors, enabling them to swallow prey much larger than their heads.
Living snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, and there are about 3,900 species. They can be colorful and some even dangerous.
They range in size from the tiny, 10.4 cm-long to the reticulated python of 6.95 meters in length.
Skin
Skeleton
Venom
The skin of a snake is covered in scales. Contrary to the popular notion of snakes being slimy, snakeskin has a smooth, dry texture. Most snakes use specialized belly scales to travel, allowing them to grip surfaces.
The skeleton of most snakes consists solely of the skull, hyoid, vertebral column, and ribs
Cobras, vipers, and closely related species use venom to immobilize, injure, or kill their prey. The venom is modified saliva, delivered through fangs.
Snake venom is a mixture of protains, which is stored in the back of their head.
Snake venom is a mixture of protains, which is stored in the back of their head.
Snakes and medicine
Several compounds from snake venoms are being researched as potential treatments or preventatives for pain, cancers, arthritis, stroke, heart disease, hemophilia, and hypertension, and to control bleeding.
The snake figure was associated with Asclepios, the ancient Greek God of medicine. It was believed to be able to cure a patient or a wounded person just by touch.
The ability of the snake to shed its skin has been associated with the circle of life, and the renaissance spirit also, ever since early Hellenic antiquity.
Rod of Asclepius, in which the snake, symbolizes healing.
Asclepios
