How does the scaled skin adaptation benefit rattlesnakes compared to frogs?
Answer
It allows for survival on dry land without constant water connection.
The dry, keratinized, scaled skin characteristic of reptiles like rattlesnakes is a highly effective barrier against desiccation. This adaptation minimizes water loss, which is paramount for terrestrial survival. In contrast, amphibians require constant skin moisture for respiration, severely limiting their time away from damp areas. The rattlesnake's scaled armor allows it to bask in the sun, essential for its ectothermic regulation, without the immediate threat of drying out that would plague a frog or salamander.
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