Where are the specialized glands located that allow the yellow-bellied sea snake to actively excrete excess salt?
Answer
Located near its mouth
Survival in a hypertonic saltwater environment requires sophisticated osmoregulation to prevent dehydration and maintain internal balance. The yellow-bellied sea snake evolved specific physiological structures—specialized glands—situated in close proximity to the mouth region. These glands actively function to excrete the large quantities of salt that are inevitably ingested through consuming prey and continuous contact with seawater. This physiological excretion mechanism is crucial for the reptile to maintain the necessary osmotic potential for its cellular functions, representing a key divergence from terrestrial reptiles.
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What is the current scientific genus for the yellow-bellied sea snake besides the historical *Pelamis*?What structural modification of the tail serves as the primary propeller for the yellow-bellied sea snake?Where are the specialized glands located that allow the yellow-bellied sea snake to actively excrete excess salt?What camouflage pattern is exhibited by the yellow-bellied sea snake's coloration, featuring a dark top and bright bottom?What major evolutionary trade-off results from the great reduction of ventral scales on *H. platurus*?What geological event is identified as the barrier preventing the spread of *P. platurus* populations into the Atlantic Ocean?What key characteristic distinguishes the reproductive cycle of the yellow-bellied sea snake from many coastal sea snakes?To what purpose is the highly potent, neurotoxic venom of *Pelamis platurus* primarily evolved?How does the lifestyle of the yellow-bellied sea snake contrast with sea kraits (*Laticauda* species) regarding their interaction with land?What term specifically defines the yellow-bellied sea snake's existence living permanently away from coastlines in the open ocean?