What anatomical feature causes the eyes of the Western Blind Snake to be largely non-visible externally?
Answer
They are covered by overlying scales
The eyes of the Western Blind Snake are highly reduced, classified as vestigial, which is consistent with an animal living primarily underground where sight is of little utility. These small eyes do not protrude or present as distinct external organs. Instead, they are completely obscured by the scales that lie over the skin. If a specimen is inspected closely, one might detect a faint, dark spot situated underneath the scale covering the eye location. This adaptation confirms the snake's deep fossorial specialization.
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