What major evolutionary trade-off results from the great reduction of ventral scales on *H. platurus*?
Answer
Terrestrial locomotion is sacrificed entirely
The large ventral scales found on terrestrial snakes are essential for gripping the ground and enabling effective crawling locomotion. In the yellow-bellied sea snake, these scales are significantly reduced. This reduction serves an evolutionary advantage in the water by minimizing hydrodynamic drag, thereby increasing swimming efficiency. However, this modification comes at a severe cost: the snake loses the ability to move effectively on land. Should the snake be stranded ashore by currents, this structural deficit renders it essentially helpless, reinforcing its commitment to an exclusively aquatic existence.
Related Questions
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