Where are the eyes and nostrils positioned on the yellow anaconda, specialized for its semi-aquatic lifestyle?
On the top of the head.
A critical adaptation for the yellow anaconda, aligning perfectly with its role as a semi-aquatic ambush predator, is the positioning of its primary sensory organs. Both the eyes and the nostrils are situated dorsally, meaning they are placed on the very top surface of the head. This arrangement is incredibly advantageous because it permits the snake to remain submerged almost entirely beneath the water surface—often hidden in murky aquatic environments—while still being able to breathe air through the nostrils and survey the surrounding area via its eyes. Furthermore, this configuration supports stereoscopic vision, which is vital for accurately judging the distance to approaching or passing prey before initiating an attack.
