Snakes (missed class) Flashcards
How do bones in skull adapt snakes for feeding?
mobile bones in head, lower jaw can move as right and left halves
hinge between maxilla and quadrates also increase flexibility
What are the methods of snake feeding?
bite + swallow
constriction
venom
What does constriction do?
cuts off oxygen supply and causes suffocation so the prey is easier to swallow
Where is venom stored?
Duvernoy’s gland in head
What does venom do?
subdues prey and stops them from resisiting
What are the venomous types of snakes?
Elapids
Colubridae
Aglyphus
Viperidae
What are Elapids like?
Proteroglyphous - fixed front fangs for biting, injecting and holding onto prey
What are Colubridae like?
opisthoglyphous - fangs at back of mouth only release venom when prey deep in mouth
What are Aglyphus like?
opisthoglyphous - no fangs just many small teeth
What are viperidae like?
solenoglyphous - fangs can fold back into mouth
