Biology and Evolution: The Case of Snakes
Snakes are incredible creatures. They have evolved very unique features that have allowed them to adapt to a wide number of environments. Snakes can be fond in some of the hottest deserts, the densest swamps, and even on the ocean floor. Part of their success comes from the physiological evolution of their organs and anatomical structures that has provided for their evolutionary success.
The snake's anatomy is truly unique. It is a reptile that has elongated its body and internal organs by sacrificing its legs. All of the major organs of the snake have been elongated to allow for a tubular body shape that has helped re-engineer the way a snake moves. The entire skeleton has morphed in order to account for this evolutionary process that allowed snakes to succeed in a wide variety of environments. According to the research, a snake's skeleton is "a complicated-architecturally and functionality -- skull at its head is followed, to the tail, by at least five divisions of vertebral structures" (Cates, 2012). Ribbed and unribbed vertebrae interlock all the way down through the length of the snake's body. Ribs help protect the elongated organs. The snake's respiratory system has evolved into a long, complicated string of organs. It begins with the moveable glottis to help avoid breathing in parts of the prey in the mouth...
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