Why are there no snakes in Antarctica?

Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are also absent from islands in the Arctic region such as Iceland and Greenland. Reptiles such as snakes are cold-blooded, meaning they depend on external heat sources in the environment to keep themselves warm. Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth; and as it remains frozen throughout the year, snakes cannot survive there.

Snakes belong to the animal class reptiles.  This group also includes crocodiles, lizards, and turtles.  Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that raise their body temperature by lying in the sun or lower it by crawling into the shade.  Their body temperature changes to the temperature of its surroundings.  Because of this, snakes that live in colder climates must hibernate through the winter.  They will find burrows or caves and fall into a deep sleep until the weather becomes ware enough for them.

There are more than 2,900 species of snakes in the world.  They live almost everywhere, in deserts, forests, oceans, streams, and lakes.  Snakes live on the ground, in trees, and in water.

Picture Credit : Google

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