Friday 1 December 2017

Why are there no sea snakes in the Atlantic?


Date:  November 29, 2017
Source:  Florida Museum of Natural History

Summary:
There is a glaring gap in sea snakes' near-global distribution: the Atlantic Ocean. Biologists chalk up the absence of sea snakes in the Atlantic to geography, climate and timing.

They sport a range of physical adaptations for life at sea, including a flattened oar-like tail for paddling and the abilities to smell underwater, hold their breath for hours and go for months without a drink. And although they're not powerful swimmers, they have spread throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, ranging from Japan to New Zealand and from South Africa to Central America.

But there is a glaring gap in sea snakes' near-global distribution: the Atlantic Ocean.

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