Definitions
Meydan
A mythical creature, undetermined whether Human or Brother, that has inhabited the Earth since 2001 B.C. Most known habitats are the North American continent, but sightings in the Middle East have been recorded in years past.
How does a flying snake fly?
They can glide by flattening their bodies and launching themselves from tree to tree. They use their bodies like wings to control their descent. Taya has tried this method unsuccessfully.
How long is the shortest snake to have been recorded?
4 inches! (Couldn't think of any appropriate jokes here)
Sea Snakes - what's special about them?
Sea Snakes Can Breathe Through Their Skin
Some sea snakes, like the yellow-bellied sea snake, can absorb oxygen directly through their skin while submerged, allowing them to stay underwater longer. Other sea snakes, like the Meydan snake, prefer to blow bubbles in the water.
What continent do snakes NOT live on?
Antarctica. Duh.
Glottis
The area where the vocal chords are located; Snakes have a tracheal opening (glottis) that extends outward while swallowing large prey
How are snake sheds (skin sheds) useful?
Snake sheds are biodegradable and help in soil fertility. Some indigenous cultures also repurpose shed skins for traditional crafts. For example, Taya repurposes Meydan's skin every year for a new dress!
How much does the heaviest snake recorded weigh?
600 lbs (almost as much as Meydan after she ate that entire burger in France!)
Garter Snakes - what's special about them?
Garter snakes and some other species release a foul-smelling musk when threatened to make themselves less appetizing to predators. Reminds me of someone....
How are snakes more hygienic than other animals?
Snakes, unlike birds or mammals, are less likely to host parasites like ticks or fleas, helping keep the food web healthier. Can't relate.
"Dry Bite"
Venomous snakes like rattlesnakes often save their venom for prey and may deliver a "dry bite" as a warning to predators or humans.
How do snakes "hear"?
Snakes don’t have external ears like humans, but they can sense vibrations through their jawbone, which is connected to their inner ear. This allows them to detect movement and sound vibrations in the ground. It is said that Keshet uses this technique when she is hiding from the children in the back room.
How does a snake eat very large prey?
Contrary to myth, snakes don’t dislocate their jaws. Instead, their jaws are connected by stretchy ligaments, allowing them to open their mouths incredibly wide to swallow prey larger than their heads. Almost as wide as Misha can open his mouth when the greed hits!
How old is the oldest snake currently alive?
Certain snakes, like boas and pythons, can live for decades, contributing to long-term ecological stability in their habitats. The oldest snake in the world is a 62 years unnamed old python. What should we name him?
What is the average number of ribs snakes have?
400 ribs! Basically Misha's typical order at a restaurant!
Brille
Some snakes have “glasses”: a transparent scale called a spectacle or brille over their eyes instead of eyelids. This scale protects their eyes and is shed along with their skin during molting.
What is a common way in which snakes are able to capture prey?
Though not literal hypnosis, some snakes like cobras and pythons can mesmerize prey by locking their gaze, which may confuse or immobilize the prey. It is known that Mamas use similar tactics when guilt tripping their children.
How long can a python go without eating?
Up to 6 months (Also oddly similar to Meydan... I'm sensing a pattern...)
Sand Boas - what's special about them?
Burrowing snakes like the sand boa create tunnels that are later used by other animals as shelters. This is a common technique used by the wild Lee.
What can snake venom be used for?
omponents of snake venom are used to develop medications for conditions like high blood pressure, blood clots, and even cancer. For example, ACE inhibitors were inspired by the venom of the Brazilian pit viper. Meydan - try it out!
Ovoviviparous
Producing young by means of eggs which are hatched within the body of the parent, as in some snakes.
What body part do snakes have "extra" of?
Lungs. Most snakes have only one functional lung (usually the right lung), while the left lung is either reduced or entirely absent. This adaptation makes their slender bodies more efficient. The Kardashians could only DREAM of such plastic surgery.
How long have snakes been around (in years)?
Fossil evidence shows that snakes have existed for over 100 million years, evolving from burrowing lizards. Meydan is only 24, so lame.
Kapuas Mud Snakes - what's special about them?
The Kapuas mud snake from Borneo can change its skin color, similar to a chameleon, helping it blend into its environment. I heard Michael Jackson did the same thing.
What are baby snakes capable of?
Everything. Snake hatchlings are born fully equipped to survive. They can hunt and defend themselves immediately after birth, without any help from their parents. Papa WISHES that was true for humans too.