A backbone is made up of many bones called vertebrae and snakes have these just like we do. In fact a snake’s backbone is very similar to ours but there are a few key differences. For starters a snake’s vertebrae are not fused together like ours are. This allows them to be much more flexible and to move in a wider range of directions. Additionally snakes have far fewer vertebrae than we do. In fact the average snake has just over 100 vertebrae while humans have over 200. This difference is one of the things that allows snakes to be so good at slithering and wriggling!
While all snakes have a backbone there are some that are born without bones in their tail. These snakes called caudal-less snakes have a very short tail or no tail at all. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why this happens but it is believed to be a result of a genetic mutation. Caudal-less snakes are found all over the world and there are even a few species that are entirely tail-less.
So to answer the question yes snakes do have a backbone. This backbone is made up of many small bones called vertebrae and it gives snakes the structure they need to move in the fascinating ways that they do.
What is the scientific name for a snake?
The scientific name for a snake is Serpentes.
What distinguishes a snake from other reptiles?
What distinguishes a snake from other reptiles is the lack of legs and external ears.
What are the main features of a snake’s body?
The main features of a snake’s body are its long flexible spine; its small streamlined head; and its lack of eyelids.
How do snakes move?
Snakes move by undulating their bodies from side to side pushing against the ground with their bellies.
How do snakes breathe?
Snakes breathe by drawing air into their lungs through their nostrils.
What is the difference between a snake and a worm?
The difference between a snake and a worm is that a snake has a backbone while a worm does not.
How many bones does a snake have?
A snake has about 400 bones.
What are the fangs of a snake?
The fangs of a snake are its long curved teeth.
What is the venom of a snake?
The venom of a snake is a poisonous substance that it uses to kill its prey.
What is the diet of a snake?
The diet of a snake consists mainly of small mammals such as rodents and rabbits.
How does a snake hunt?
A snake hunts by lying in wait for its prey then striking at it with its fangs.
How do snakes kill their prey?
Snakes kill their prey by injecting them with their venom.
How do snakes digest their food?
Snakes digest their food by breaking it down with their powerful stomach acids.
How long can a snake go without food?
A snake can go without food for up to a year.
What is the lifespan of a snake?
The lifespan of a snake is about 10 years.
