Where are the specialized glands that excrete excess salt in *H. platurus* located?
Answer
In its mouth
Living in the ocean and consuming a diet overwhelmingly composed of saltwater fish results in a constant and significant intake of salt. To manage this resulting hypernatremia and maintain proper internal homeostasis, the yellow-bellied sea snake utilizes specialized glands dedicated to salt excretion. These crucial physiological structures are specifically located in its mouth area, where they actively process and excrete the excess sodium chloride absorbed from its diet and incidental seawater ingestion. This adaptation underscores the necessity of its high-salt marine diet.
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