What physical feature identifies worm snakes as masters of disappearing underground?
Answer
A blunt, shovel-like snout
Worm snakes possess a distinctive blunt, shovel-like snout that is specifically adapted for their burrowing lifestyle. This morphological characteristic allows them to efficiently push and move through loose soil substrates with minimal effort. Since these reptiles spend the overwhelming majority of their lives beneath the surface, this specialized feature is crucial for their primary method of locomotion, foraging, and seeking refuge from predators or unfavorable temperatures. The glossy scales are mentioned, but the snout is specifically described as being shovel-like, indicating its mechanical purpose in excavating.
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