What physiological compromise regarding lungs is common in snakes?
Answer
Possession of only one functional, elongated lung
Due to the necessity of adapting internal structures to an extremely elongated body shape, snakes exhibit unique internal configurations. A primary physiological compromise involves the respiratory system; most species possess only one functional lung, which is typically the right lung. This functional lung is significantly elongated to occupy a larger portion of the constrained body cavity. The corresponding left lung is usually either rudimentary in development or entirely absent, representing a physiological trade-off made to free up necessary space within the constricted torso.
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