Snake

A snake is a legless reptile in the suborder Serpentes of the order Squamata. Snakes are elongated, scale-covered animals with no limbs, ranging from a few centimeters to several meters in length. They occupy a wide range of habitats worldwide, except Antarctica.

Anatomy and senses: Snakes have an elongated body with ventral scales for movement and a flexible jaw. They use forked tongues to sense chemical cues with the Jacobson's organ. Venomous species have fangs to inject venom; non-venomous snakes kill prey by constriction or other methods.

Diet and behavior: Most snakes are carnivores, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, eggs, or other snakes. They employ diverse hunting strategies, including active pursuit, ambush, and constriction. Locomotion includes lateral undulation, rectilinear movement, sidewinding, and concertina movement.

Reproduction and life cycle: Snakes reproduce in several ways. Some lay eggs (oviparous), while others give birth to live young (viviparous). Parental care is uncommon; in some tropical species, eggs are guarded.

Taxonomy and conservation: Major families include Colubridae, Viperidae, Elapidae, Boidae, and Pythonidae. There are about 3,000 described species. Snakes play key roles as predators and prey; many species face habitat loss, persecution, or collection, with conservation status varying widely.