Snakes are among the most diverse and adaptable reptiles on Earth, with over 3,000 species slithering across nearly every continent. From the tiny Barbados threadsnake to the massive reticulated python, they come in all shapes and sizes. What unites them is their limbless, elongated bodies, covered in overlapping scales that help them move smoothly and conserve moisture.
Despite their reputation, most snakes are nonvenomous and play vital roles in ecosystems by controlling rodent populations and serving as prey for larger animals. Their hunting techniques are marvels of evolution, some use venom to immobilize prey, while others constrict or swallow it whole thanks to flexible jaws that can stretch around surprisingly large meals.
Snakes also hold deep cultural significance, symbolizing everything from rebirth to danger across civilizations. In this edition of World-Wide Q&A, snakes emerge not just as stealthy predators, but as ecological allies and evolutionary wonders.