What are Snakes?
Snakes are elongated, legless reptiles belonging to the order Squamata. They are characterized by their flexible bodies, covered in scales, and possess highly specialized adaptations for capturing prey. Snakes are carnivorous, with most species consuming rodents, birds, or other small animals.
They have a unique jaw structure that allows them to swallow prey whole with the help of powerful muscles and flexible ligaments. Some species are venomous and use toxins injected through specialized fangs for hunting or defence. Snakes play an important role in ecosystems as both predators and prey, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
Snake Life Cycle
The life cycle of snake begins with the hatchlings emerging from eggs laid by their mother or deposited in hidden nests. Young snakes, called neonates, are typically independent from birth and must hunt for food to survive. As they grow, snakes shed their skin periodically in a process called ecdysis.
The life cycle completes as females lay eggs or give birth to live young, continuing the cycle of reproduction. In this article, we will study the life cycle of snake, its behaviour, and food habits in detail.
Table of Content
- What are Snakes?
- Scientific Classification of Snake
- Life Cycle of Snake
- Eggs – Stage 1
- Young Snake (Snakelet) – Stage 2
- Growth and Development
- Adult Snake – Stage 3
- Reproduction
- Parental Care
- Habitat and Food Habits of Snake
- Habitat
- Food Habits
- Behaviour of Snake