What specialized receptors do pit vipers use to detect infrared radiation?
Answer
Specialized facial pits located between the nostril and the eye
Pit vipers, a group that includes species like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, possess a highly specialized sensory adaptation not found in all snakes. They possess specialized facial pits, which are located externally between the nostril and the eye structure. These pits function as highly sensitive thermal receptors. This unique ability allows the pit viper to detect the infrared radiation, or heat, emitted by warm-blooded prey, giving them the capacity to effectively 'see' the heat signature of their targets, even in environments completely devoid of visible light.
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