In areas where their ranges overlap, some snakes mimic each another in order to avoid predation. The nonvenomous Sinaloan milk snake (right), for example, closely mimics the color pattern of the venomous coral snake. The strategy is a successful one, for even young, inexperienced snake-eating birds have been shown to instinctively avoid a pattern of alternating red and yellow rings.

J.H. Robinson/Photo Researchers, Inc. Dorling Kindersley Snake Mimicry," Microsoft® Encarta®. Copyright © 1993-2002 Microsoft Corporation.

Skeleton of a Snake

A snake has from 180 to as many as 400 vertebrae, which give it great flexibility in its movement. The vertebrae also allow for the attachment of the powerful trunk muscles, which are responsible for locomotion, capturing prey, and swallowing.

Dorling Kindersley Skeleton of a Snake," Microsoft® Encarta®. Copyright © 1993-2002 Microsoft Corporation.

Snake Locomotion

Snake Tongue

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