[Campbell Biology P.548] Based on Figure 23.14 and its accompanying text, which statement ac... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 23.14 and its accompanying text, which statement accurately describes the unique jaw structure of snakes compared to most terrestrial vertebrates?

  • A: Snakes have rigidly attached skull bones, similar to other vertebrates, preventing them from swallowing large prey.
  • B: The bones in the upper jaw of snakes are movable, allowing them to swallow food much larger than their head.
  • C: Only the lower jaw bones of snakes are movable, aiding in their predatory behavior.
  • D: Snakes use ligaments to detach their entire jaw for swallowing, a feature absent in other vertebrates.

Explanation

Figure 23.14 and its accompanying text explain that unlike most terrestrial vertebrates with rigidly attached skull bones, snakes have movable bones in their upper jaw. This unique adaptation allows them to swallow food much larger than their head.