The Strange World of Serpentines

Humans have always been captivated with snakes, which represent both wonder and dread. These limbless reptiles inhabit a range of environments, including forests, deserts, and even the ocean. They are among the most fascinating animals on the earth because of their distinctive physical traits and behaviours.

It is thought that approximately 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous epoch, snakes diverged from lizards. They were able to take advantage of new ecological niches by evolving into a legless form. Snakes have evolved a variety of adaptations over time to aid in their survival in various settings. For example, burrowing snakes have a streamlined body for crawling through earth, while arboreal snakes have prehensile tails for climbing.

One of the most fascinating features about snakes is how they prey. Some snakes, like constrictors, use their powerful bodies to immobilise their prey, but other snakes use their venom. Cobras, vipers, and rattlesnakes are examples of venomous snakes that have developed specialised glands to manufacture venom. This venom can kill or immobilise prey, facilitating the snake’s consumption of it. Varying from species to species, venom might contain cytotoxins, hemotoxins, or neurotoxins, each of which has a unique effect on the body.