How are the hinged fangs of a viper positioned when the mouth is closed?
Answer
They fold back against the roof of the mouth
Vipers possess a sophisticated venom delivery system featuring long, hollow, hypodermic-needle-like fangs. These fangs are hinged in the upper jaw, which allows them to fold back against the roof of the mouth when the mouth is closed. This folding mechanism protects the fangs from damage and allows the snake to close its mouth completely without the fangs impaling the lower jaw or other tissues. When the snake strikes, the upper jaw rotates to swing the fangs into a forward position.
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