Did you know that snakes once had legs?

The ancestors of snakes had limbs or legs, but through evolution and adaptation to their environment, these limbs were gradually reduced and eventually disappeared. Fossils have been found that support this, such as fossils of ancient snake species with rudimentary limbs.

There are two theories about why snakes lost their legs:

Some scientists believe that the ancestors of snakes adapted to an aquatic environment. In watery habitats, limbs are often less useful, and a long, slender body is more streamlined for swimming. This could explain why the legs disappeared over time.

Other scientists believe that the ancestors of snakes adapted to a burrowing or ground-dwelling lifestyle. For animals that dig or move through narrow underground tunnels, limbs can get in the way. As a result, snakes may have gradually lost their limbs to move better through tight spaces.