Snakes are elongated, legless reptiles belonging to the suborder Serpentes. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and thrive in a wide range of habitats, from deserts and forests to oceans and grasslands.
Key Characteristics of Snakes:
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Body Structure: Snakes have long, cylindrical bodies covered in overlapping scales. They lack limbs, eyelids, and external ears.
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Movement: They move using various locomotion techniques, including serpentine (slithering), sidewinding, and rectilinear motion.
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Diet & Hunting: Snakes are carnivorous and swallow their prey whole. Some use constriction (like pythons and boas) to suffocate prey, while others inject venom through fangs (like cobras and vipers).
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Venomous vs. Non-Venomous: While many snakes are harmless, some species produce venom that is used to immobilize or digest prey. Venomous snakes include rattlesnakes, mambas, and coral snakes.
