Sidewinder Rattlesnake Physiological Evolution

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Sidewinder Rattlesnake Physiological Evolution Rattlesnakes are a group of venomous snakes found in North and South America. The sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) is one of 32 different known species of rattlesnake living in the United States. Each species has specific traits and comes in a variety of different sizes and colors. This paper will discuss the physiological evolution of the sidewinder rattlesnake and the traits and features they have evolved to help them survive in the harsh environment the live in. Sidewinders are a nocturnal species of rattlesnake that live in the desert southwest from California to New Mexico and range in size from 6 inches at birth to adults up to 30 inches. They, like all rattlesnakes are a member of the pit viper family. All rattlesnakes share four distinct features; the venom, the pits, the fangs, and the rattle. Sidewinders have also evolved rough scales, and horns above its eyes specifically designed to help it survive in its environment. This paper will discuss these 5 traits. THE VENOM Rattlesnake venom is produced and stored in venom glands on each side of the animals head. The size of these glands defines the shape of the rattlesnake’s head and gives its head that classic arrowhead shape most people recognize. With very few exceptions rattlesnakes venom is a hemotoxin. This type of toxin attacks and destroys red blood cells and does not allow the blood to clot normally. As blood thins and runs into the surrounding tissue, the tissue starts to die and decompose. It is widely believed by herpetologists that this type of venom is a major part of the snakes digestive system. THE PITS The pits are small holes located between the snake’s eye and nostril. These pits are specially designed to detect the heat produced by warm blooded mammals. The ability to see the temperature variations allows the snake to strike with

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