Hinged Teeth in Snakes: An Adaptation for Swallowing Hard-Bodied Prey

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Science

Volume

4492

Issue

212

Publication Date

1981

First Page

346

Last Page

349

Abstract

Six genera of snakes, representing at least three lineages, possess teeth that fold backward against the jaws rather than being firmly ankylosed. This condition, effected by a connective tissue hinge at the base of each tooth, is associated with suites of cephalic modifications that enable the snakes to grasp and to swallow hard-bodied prey.

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