How is the location of the nares an adaptation to its habitat?

Answer 1

Journal articles about nostril (nares) location just don't seem to be available on the web without joining some publisher's access group for a fee. I do have a couple of examples, though. The kiwi (ref.) is the only bird whose nosrtrils are on the tip of its beak. It feeds on underground worms and is guided by a very sensitive sense of smell. Similarly the anteater's nostrils at the tip of its long snout help it find termites. They are closable to avoid inhaling the prey. And crocodiles and rhinoceroses have nostrils on a slightly elevated part of the snout, allowing them to breathe while otherwise completely submerged. Then there are elephants...