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The evolution of venom is thought to be responsible for the enormous expansion of snakes across the globe. [4] [5] [6] The evolutionary history of snake venom is a matter of debate. Historically, snake venom was believed to have evolved once, at the base of the Caenophidia, or derived snakes.
The evolutionary history of venomous snakes can be traced back to as far as 28 million years ago. [1] Snake venom is modified saliva used for prey immobilization and self-defense and is usually delivered through highly specialized teeth, hollow fangs, directly into the bloodstream or tissue of the target.
Differences in fang length between the various venomous snakes are likely due to the evolution of different striking strategies. [39] Additionally, it has been shown that the fangs of different species of venomous snakes have different sizes and shapes depending on the biomechanical properties of the snake's prey. [40]
Among snake families traditionally classified as venomous, the capacity seems to have evolved to extremes more than once by parallel evolution; 'non-venomous' snake lineages have either lost the ability to produce venom (but may still have lingering venom pseudogenes) or actually do produce venom in small quantities (e.g. 'toxic saliva ...
The bite of a nonvenomous snake is usually harmless; their teeth are not adapted for tearing or inflicting a deep puncture wound, but rather grabbing and holding. Although the possibility of infection and tissue damage is present in the bite of a nonvenomous snake, venomous snakes present far greater hazard to humans.
Here’s a full list of all venomous snakes, facts about each one and where they can each be found: Copperhead Appearance: Copperheads are typically three to four feet, and their coloration can be ...
Pennsylvania has three species of venomous snakes: the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake and the eastern massasauga. Only the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake are found in the central ...
The family found the venomous snake “wandering in and out” of their home in a Sydney suburb on the evening of Jan. 29, Fire and Rescue New South Wales said in a Jan. 30 news release. They ...