A very long time ago, snakes mostly occupied forest habitats, preferring to move in low-light areas, where they were more protected from predators. Genetics teaches us that 100 million years ago, they gradually lost two of the five genes associated with a subclass of a protein called opsin, which is responsible for color perception.
Over the past 25 million years, more than 60 species have migrated to more light aquatic environments. Including a poisonous snake with blue stripes, Hydrophis cyanocinctusone of five species of reptiles examined by Australian researchers What is the question here. In their article they declare that they have been able to confirm what others before them had already suspected, which is that Hydrophis cyanocinctus It has four copies of a gene called SWS1.
The fact that he has four copies Witness It is no accident —or for a few “lucky” individuals —but it’s always an achievement. Two of these versions allow you to see in ultraviolet light—an advantage when you live not far from the surface of the water, as it makes it easier for you to spot predators and prey.
Biology has so far identified only one other species of reptile to have developed this ability. Helicopus angolatusand this is also an eel.
Photo: Klaus Rudloff/ polylip
