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Most snakes have extra broad scales on the belly, each scale covering the belly from side to side. The scales of all reptiles have an epidermal component (what one sees on the surface), but many reptiles, such as crocodilians and turtles, have osteoderms underlying the epidermal scale.
The scales may be ossified or tubercular, as in the case of lizards, or modified elaborately, as in the case of snakes. [1] The scales on the top of lizard and snake heads has also been called pileus, after the Latin word for cap, referring to the fact that these scales sit on the skull like a cap. [2]
Scale patterns help to indicate the species and from the references, it can be verified if the snake species is known to be venomous or not. Species identification using scales requires a fair degree of knowledge about snakes, their taxonomy, snake-scale nomenclature as well as familiarity with and access to scientific literature.
Squamata (/ s k w æ ˈ m eɪ t ə /, Latin squamatus, 'scaly, having scales') is the largest order of reptiles, comprising lizards and snakes.With over 12,162 species, [3] it is also the second-largest order of extant (living) vertebrates, after the perciform fish.
A video shared online shows the scale of these 20-foot-long (6.1-meter-long) reptiles as one of the researchers, Dutch biologist Freek Vonk, swims alongside a giant 200-kilo (441-pound) specimen.
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In snakes, the tail separates between vertebrae and some do not experience regrowth. [16] Third, the scales in lepidosaurs are horny (keratinized) structures of the epidermis, allowing them to be shed collectively, contrary to the scutes seen in other reptiles. [16] This is done in different cycles, depending on the species.
The snakes even have an “alien-like” capacity to regenerate their own organs and tissues, and are able to adapt their feeding strategies, going as long as six months without food if necessary ...