Snakes are carnivorous reptiles and their elongated body shape makes them unmistakeable inside the animal kingdom. With roughly 3,500 various varieties, snakes can be found on every continent besides Antarctica and can range from anywhere between 10 centimetres and almost 9 metres in length. The shortest known type of snake is the Thread snake and the longest is the Reticulated Python.
The origin of the snake is a somewhat contentious issue but there are two leading theories. The first theory is that the snake evolved from burrowing lizards; the elongated shape developed for the purpose of streamlined travel underground. The other idea sees the snake develop from aquatic lizards and ultimately relocate on land. Regardless of what the truth might be, it appears to have been forgotten over time although there are several physiological features of modern day snakes which appear to support both ideas.
All snakes are carnivorous with numerous species exhibiting cannibalistic behaviour. Although there are thousands of various types of snake, there are two main methods used to kill prey. It is a popular misconception that all snakes are venomous, in reality; only 10-15% of snakes are venomous and eliminate their victim by administering venom though biting. A more typical technique of killing among snakes is constriction; by wrapping themselves tightly around their prey they are able to confine breathing and immobilise their target.
Regardless of the killing method employed by snakes, the means of consumption is virtually identical. Specially evolved jaws are able to dislocate and enable the snake to eat their victim whole. Snakes have the ability to consume prey far larger than themselves and it is common for them to continue digestion for several days, even weeks.
One of the most iconic characteristic of the snake is the fork tongue, not merely for aesthetics, the fork tongue is used to determine chemical alterations in the environment and relay the information into the jacobson's organ. This process can pick up on the presence of both predators and prey and is the snake's primary method of navigation.
Snakes and human beings have a somewhat love hate relationship. While there are millions around the globe who are scared of snakes, there are also millions who keep them as pets at home in specialist environments called vivariums. Predominantly through misunderstandings and dramatisation the snake has become the subject of nightmares for lots of people;although their fierce reputation maybe fairly unjust, venomous snakes claim the lives of thousands of people on a yearly basis. The most venomous snake on land is the Inland Taipan and each snake carries enough venom to kill over 100 human beings.
The origin of the snake is a somewhat contentious issue but there are two leading theories. The first theory is that the snake evolved from burrowing lizards; the elongated shape developed for the purpose of streamlined travel underground. The other idea sees the snake develop from aquatic lizards and ultimately relocate on land. Regardless of what the truth might be, it appears to have been forgotten over time although there are several physiological features of modern day snakes which appear to support both ideas.
All snakes are carnivorous with numerous species exhibiting cannibalistic behaviour. Although there are thousands of various types of snake, there are two main methods used to kill prey. It is a popular misconception that all snakes are venomous, in reality; only 10-15% of snakes are venomous and eliminate their victim by administering venom though biting. A more typical technique of killing among snakes is constriction; by wrapping themselves tightly around their prey they are able to confine breathing and immobilise their target.
Regardless of the killing method employed by snakes, the means of consumption is virtually identical. Specially evolved jaws are able to dislocate and enable the snake to eat their victim whole. Snakes have the ability to consume prey far larger than themselves and it is common for them to continue digestion for several days, even weeks.
One of the most iconic characteristic of the snake is the fork tongue, not merely for aesthetics, the fork tongue is used to determine chemical alterations in the environment and relay the information into the jacobson's organ. This process can pick up on the presence of both predators and prey and is the snake's primary method of navigation.
Snakes and human beings have a somewhat love hate relationship. While there are millions around the globe who are scared of snakes, there are also millions who keep them as pets at home in specialist environments called vivariums. Predominantly through misunderstandings and dramatisation the snake has become the subject of nightmares for lots of people;although their fierce reputation maybe fairly unjust, venomous snakes claim the lives of thousands of people on a yearly basis. The most venomous snake on land is the Inland Taipan and each snake carries enough venom to kill over 100 human beings.
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Snakes are fascinating creatures and make wonderful pets. Naturally Grown provide a wide range of Vivariums and Vivarium Equipment. From Vivarium Starter Kits to Decorations, there is everything you need to establish your environment.
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