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Snakes smell with their tongues

Snakes smell with their tongues

Snakes smell with their tongues

Tongue flicks collect airborne and ground particles and deliver them to the vomeronasal (Jacobson’s) organ in the roof of the mouth.

A forked tip samples left versus right, helping snakes stereo-smell and follow trails with precision.

The tongue is a chemical fork. Nose work runs through a tasting gesture that never needs a sniff.

Shahzad Mahota Shahzad Mahota @shahzad-mahota

Snakes smell with their tongues