As they evolved, many snakes rattled their tails to warn predators away. Rattlesnakes, because of their venom, evolved into big heavy relatively slow snakes. They didn't need to be able to run away and hide in their swampy or forested environments. When expanding their territory out into the prairies to hunt rodents and ground-nesting birds, they were in danger (of being stepped on, either accidentally or on purpose) from the large bison. The rattles on the tail evolved as an even louder warning to scare large animals away.
I love it when my snakes rattle. Four of six do it.
Nanci
|