What anatomical feature marks pythons as primitive snakes compared to many other serpentine species?
Answer
Possessing two functional lungs.
Pythons are considered primitive snakes due to several physical remnants reflecting ancient lineage. One of the most notable manifestations of this primitivism is the retention of two functional lungs, whereas most other snake species have evolved to possess only one lung. This suggests a different evolutionary trajectory for their respiratory system compared to more derived serpentine forms. Additionally, they exhibit vestigial hind limbs and associated pelvic bones, visible externally as small spurs near the cloaca. While they are apex ambush predators whose hunting method relies on strength, the dual-lung structure is a key indicator of their primitive classification within the serpentine order.
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