Snakes use their fangs to pierce their prey and inject a poison that many are deadly. However, there are more than 3,000 different species on the planet, so scientists wondered if the fangs of snakes could have a different shape depending on their diet.
To find out, a team of researchers from the University of Monash (Australia) examined the fangs of 81 different species of snakes in three dimensions. Thus, they were able to conclude that fangs have been adapting to the preferred prey of snakes, from hard-shelled crabs to large or hairy mammals. In addition, the results of the study were published in the journal Evolution.
Differences between snake families
Poisonous snakes are found throughout the world and belong to five major families. However, throughout evolution, each of these families developed their fangs differently, which resulted in small differences between them.
Vipers and atractaspidids have long tubular fangs that open when struck, while elapid snakes have short tubular fangs that are attached to the jaw. For their part, colubrids and homalopsids have ribbed fangs at the back of their mouths.
Teeth are adapted to diets throughout the animal kingdom
Variations in the shape of the teeth as a function of diet is common in the mammalian kingdom. Carnivores often have teeth in their cheeks to tear meat, and herbivores have ridged molars to grind leaves , roots, and other plant matter.
Venomous snakes feed on different prey. Some eat small mammals (such as mice) while others prefer fish or crabs. In fact, some snakes hunt reptiles and even feed on other snakes.
Fangs development
To carry out the research, the scientists examined the fangs of 81 species of snakes belonging to four families (except for atractaspidids). In this way, by measuring the differences in the strength of the fangs, they were able to discover how the shape of the fangs is closely related to the preference of the prey.
According to the researchers, the most robust fangs are found in species that feed on tougher prey, while snakes that feed on smaller prey (such as mice) have thin, pointed fangs.
In addition, thanks to this study, scientists know more about the foods that each type of snake prefers. This information can be crucial for both the future of snakes and their prey, as most endangered snakes in Australia are affected by habitat loss. This, in turn, makes it difficult for them to catch their favorite prey.
