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Dice snake

10th May, 2024

Dice snake

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Context:

  • A study published in the journal Biology Letters found that dice snakes go to extreme lengths to save themselves from predators, including faking their own deaths.

About Dice Snakes

  • Scientific name: Natrix tessellata.
  • They are non-venomous, semi-aquatic snakes found in parts of Europe and Asia.
  • Appearance: They are relatively small, typically ranging from 50 to 80 centimeters in length. They have a slender body with a distinctive pattern of dark spots or squares along their back, resembling dice markings hence the name "dice snake."
  • Habitat: Preferably freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, ponds, and marshes.
  • Behavior: Primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They also hunt for fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
  • Reproduction: Oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
  • Threats: habitat loss, pollution, and human activities impacting their freshwater habitats.
  • Ecological Importance: They play a role in controlling populations of small aquatic animals like fish and frogs, contributing to the balance of ecosystems they inhabit.
  • IUCN Red list: Least Concern

Source:

https://www.wionews.com/science/dice-snakes-fake-their-own-death-by-leaking-blood-from-mouth-smearing-faeces-study-719506

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about Dice Snake recently seen in the news?

1.They are venomous snakes found in parts of Europe only.

2.They are categorised as endangered by IUCN red list of threatened species.

3.They are Primarily diurnal and they lso hunt for fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D. None

Answer: A