Shocking Facts About Snakes You Should Definitely Know

How do sea snakes get the fresh water they need to survive?

• They have special glands that filter salt from seawater.

• They drink a thin layer of rainwater that floats on the ocean surface after storms.

• They absorb fresh water directly through their skin.

• They only eat prey that contains a lot of fresh water.

Why are there no established populations of sea snakes in the Atlantic Ocean?

• The Atlantic Ocean is too deep for sea snakes.

• Sea snakes evolved in the Pacific Ocean and cannot survive the cold temperatures or lack of freshwater sources needed to cross into the Atlantic.

• There are too many predators in the Atlantic Ocean for sea snakes to thrive.

• The Atlantic Ocean lacks sufficient food sources for sea snakes.

What unique feature of a snake's mouth helps it drink water?

• Their mouths have strong suction muscles that pull water in.

• They have a long, flexible tongue that laps up water.

• The soft tissues in their mouths have folds that use capillary action to draw in water.

• They have specialized teeth that filter water from mud.

The folds in a snake's mouth, which help it drink, are an example of what biological concept?

• Adaptation, where a trait develops specifically for a new function.

• Mutation, a random change in DNA that creates a new trait.

• Exaptation, where a trait evolved for one purpose but now serves another.

• Symbiosis, a close relationship between two different species.

Who is credited with developing the first snake antivenom?

• Louis Pasteur

• Bill Haast

• Albert Calmette

• The World Health Organization

How does antivenom work to help a person bitten by a venomous snake?

• It directly destroys the venom's toxins in the body.

• It reverses the harmful effects that the venom has already caused.

• It stimulates the body to produce antibodies that neutralize the venom.

• It makes the person permanently immune to all future snake bites.

What is the initial step in creating antivenom?

• Injecting venom into an animal

• Freezing the collected venom

• Collecting venom from snakes

• Purifying antibodies from blood

What is the primary distinction between a venomous animal and a poisonous animal?

• Venomous animals are always predators, while poisonous animals are always prey.

• Venomous animals actively inject their toxins, while poisonous animals' toxins are absorbed passively.

• Poisonous animals are generally more dangerous than venomous animals.

• Venomous animals have fangs, while poisonous animals do not.

What are some of the effects of a Tiger Keelback snake's venom on humans?

• It causes temporary blindness and dizziness.

• It leads to excessive internal and external bleeding.

• It results in immediate paralysis of the limbs.

• It causes severe allergic reactions and swelling.

What is the primary defense mechanism of a Tiger Keelback snake when threatened, besides biting?

• It changes its skin color to blend in with its surroundings.

• It releases a stinky, toxic yellowish pus from glands on its neck.

• It plays dead to confuse predators.

• It hisses loudly to scare away attackers.