2007-02-27 12:01:18 · 6 answers · asked by kenzie 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Actually, they have the vestigial limb buds, so in fact at one time in their evolutionary history their ancestors had limbs. They have adapted to an ecological niche which favors a smooth, scaly hide which is advantageous for rapid movement over the ground or for hiding in tight places to avoid predators.
2007-02-27 12:05:47 · answer #1 · answered by RHJ Cortez 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Though more primitive snakes still have hind limb buds that can be "forced" to develop at least partially if you alter developmental pathways early enough, most snakes do not have legs. This is because they have lost them, to aid in burrowing. If you are a species that commonly burrows, it is advantageous to have short or non existent legs.
If you look back in the fossil record, you can see the different stages of snakes gradually losing their limbs through time. This is also evident in genetic pathways and development.
2007-02-27 12:09:22 · answer #2 · answered by kiddo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they live in dense vegetation and holes in the ground. Legs would not help them.
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2007-02-27 16:08:24 · answer #3 · answered by algoreiscausingglobalwarming 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It seems like God punished them for something. That is what I heard a long time ago.
2007-02-27 12:04:56 · answer #4 · answered by foshizz 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
it's because of its genetic code
2007-02-27 12:08:54 · answer #5 · answered by aldrin m 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because god took them away
2007-02-27 12:04:41 · answer #6 · answered by James k 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋