What specialized sensory organs do *Crotalus oreganus* possess between the eye and nostril?
Answer
Heat-sensing pits
As a defining feature of pit vipers, *Crotalus oreganus* is equipped with heat-sensing pits. These pits are anatomically situated between the snake's eye and its nostril on either side of its face. This highly specialized sensory apparatus allows the snake to detect minute thermal signatures emitted by warm-blooded prey, even in complete darkness. This ability aids significantly in locating prey, especially before striking, and is also utilized after the strike to track the now-motionless meal before consumption.
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