Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Snakes
Snakes being around developed a fear,
The threat is felt on their side,
They attack only so they can disappear.
Scientific name– Reptilia
Size– 10cm-12cm, larger sizes can go upto 27 feet.
What are Reptiles and Snakes?
Reptilia is the ‘order’ that comes in groups of animal Families that don’t have Backbone, limbs, Ear openings and eyelids.
Snakes don’t have external ears like us humans, but they do have a part called ‘Columella’ similar to us, that can only hear Vibrations.
The Skull of Snake is adapted in such a way that the bones of the upper jaw aren’t fused or united at the Snout (mouth). Hence Snakes can consume the larger prey by gulping it.
What are ‘Scales’ on snakes? What are the types of Snake’s skin?
Scales are the pigment-producing cells or also known as ‘ Chromatophores’ that induce colouration. They are made of Beta keratin protein and are attached to Snake’s skin.
Scales can regulate Insulation, Thermoregulation and are waterproof in texture.
Scales also have an important function in locomotion. They protect from injuries and help in the movement to capture prey.
There are two different types of Scales on the snake’s body. ‘Keel scales’ are smooth with a longitudinal ridge (a gap between the snake’s skin).These scales help in locomotion through loose soil, or where snakes live.
Another type is known as the ‘Granular scale’ these are the rough textured scales that help in grasping the prey in Marine water.
What is the phenomenon of Snake’s skin shedding?
Ecdysis is the shedding of Skin. Snakes shed their skin a week intervals. As the body grows faster the scales are shedded off to maintain a balance. The oily substance is secreted in between two layers which makes the shedding painless.
This functioning is carried out when the outer layer sheds the inner layer becomes the outer layer, and the strengthening of a new layer depends upon the diet and growth of an individual snake.
Ecdysis helps in getting rid of parasites, and infections.
Reproduction-
Snakes give birth to the young snakelets or they lay eggs. Some blind snakes reproduce asexually. They reproduce by cell division among themselves.
Poisonous snake and Venomous snake.
Both contain toxins, if the poisonous snake is consumed by any creature, they are affected. But Venomous snakes inject toxins in the body of any creature, through biting.
What do Snakes feed on and how do they help the ecosystem?
Snakes are the Rodent controllers. They also feed on lizards, amphibians, Birds, etc.
There are the smallest size snakes known as ‘Blind snakes’. They feed on Termites and ant eggs, in human settlements.
One of the largest snakes, called Pythons can help farmers by feeding upon the deer and large rodents that can harm the agricultural produce.
Snakes are the nutritional source of Carnivores like Mongoose, Jackal, Snakes, Birds, and Wild cats such as tigers and leopards. Hence Snakes are important in maintaining the Health of the Ecosystem.
Threats to the Snakes-
Snakes are mistaken to be a threat in human settlements and can be killed because of Fear instead of Rescued.
Although apart from fear Snakes are also caught and consumed by Humans. Trading of snakes for meat and skin is banned under the Wildlife protection act, of 1972.
In the name of rescue, snakes are handled by irresponsible and unskilled individuals that put the snake under threat.
Habitat Destruction is another issue for Snakes. The driveway road that runs through Rainforests, hill forests Mangrove Forests, etc causes road accidents and unintended road kills of Snakes.
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