Snakes amaze me for many reasons. They are physically astounding, moving with grace and elegance over all terrain with no limbs to assist them. Gliding over water, flat ground, desert sand, and climbing over the rockiest mountains and straight up a tree are just a few of the incredible feats that these reptiles can accomplish. Snakes are also incredible energy conservationists. Some species can eat only one large meal in an entire year, and during their digestion period they will actually increase the size of their heart by 40% before shrinking it back down to remain as energy efficient as possible. In addition to their amazing biological features, snakes are also astoundingly important to the ecosystems around them, often acting as an important mid-tier consumer which keeps prey in check while also providing energy for predators such as raptors.
Snakes are also amazing educational tools. These animals are misunderstood by the majority of the population, and very underappreciated in terms of ecological value. If people can learn to value organisms such as snakes through educational programs, it is a pretty safe bet that they can learn to value all the flora and fauna which work together to ensure a balanced ecosystem. And when someone learns the value of a diverse ecosystem and finds amazement in nature, they are much more likely to try and preserve our environment for themselves and the generations to come.
Ben Zino, North Carolina
Student
Snakes are also amazing educational tools. These animals are misunderstood by the majority of the population, and very underappreciated in terms of ecological value. If people can learn to value organisms such as snakes through educational programs, it is a pretty safe bet that they can learn to value all the flora and fauna which work together to ensure a balanced ecosystem. And when someone learns the value of a diverse ecosystem and finds amazement in nature, they are much more likely to try and preserve our environment for themselves and the generations to come.
Ben Zino, North Carolina
Student