References & Sources

Weird jaws let tiny snake gulp fast

A unique lower jaw that bends in and out in the middle like a pair of swinging doors gives a tiny snake an advantage in hunting.

References:

Kley, N.J., and E.L. Brainerd. 1999. Feeding by mandibular raking in a snake. Nature 402(Nov. 25):369.

Sources:

Elizabeth L. Brainerd
University of Massachusetts
Department of Biology
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Program
Amherst, MA 01003-5810

Nate J. Kley
University of Massachusetts
Department of Biology
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Program
Amherst, MA 01003-5810

From Science News, Vol. 156, No. 23, December 4, 1999, p. 361. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.