Description

Amazing ball python skull, real bone. This specimen is approximately 1 1/4 inches long and 3 3/8 inches at its widest point.

The skull of a snake is a very complex structure, with numerous joints to allow the snake to swallow prey far larger than its head. Both the upper and lower jaws are split into two parts each (left side and right side), and the cranium is also separate. The bones are held together by flexible ligaments, but they do not lock into place in the way that most other animals’ skulls do. This makes the snake’s skull incredibly flexible, and the jaw is able to stretch widely in multiple directions.

Snakes are even able to move the left and the right side of the jaw independently. By moving one side of the jaw forward as the other side grips the food, they are able to slowly pull food further into their mouth. This is how they are able to swallow such large prey whole.

https://www.naturshowroom.com/shop/fascinating-long-nose-gar-skull-real-bone/