The new encyclopedia of snakes

Introduction --

[pt. 1]. The origin and evolution of snakes --

Defining snakes --

Origins and evolution of snakes --

Modern snake classification --

[pt. 2]. Morphology and function --

Size and shape --

Colour --

Skin and scales --

Locomotion --

Senses --

Internal anatomy --

[pt. 3]. How snakes live --

The physical environment --

The biological environment --

[pt. 4]. Where snakes live --

Habitats --

Adaptations of habitats --

World patterns of distribution --

[pt. 5]. Feeding --

Types of food --

Methods of hunting --

Overpowering prey --

Swallowing and digestion --

[pt. 6]. Defence --

Predators of snakes --

Defence strategies --

[pt. 7]. Reproduction --

The reproductive cycle --

Breeding seasons --

Mating systems --

Gestation --

Egg laying and birth --

Incubation --

Hatching --

Growth and development --

Reproductive strategies --

[pt. 8]. Snakes and humans --

Snake myths and snake worship --

Current attitudes --

Exploitation of snakes --

Conservation --

Studying snakes --

Snakes in captivity --

[pt. 9]. Taxonomy --

Classification --

Nomenclature : how snakes are named --

[pt. 10]. The classification of snakes --

Anomalepididae --

Leptotyphlopidae --

Typhlopidae --

Anomochilidae --

Aniliidae --

Cylindrophiidae --

Uropeltidae --

Loxocemidae --

Xenopeltidae --

Boidae --

Pythonidae --

Bolyeriidae --

Tropidophiidae --

Xenophidiidae --

Acrochordidae --

Viperidae --

Atractaspididae --

Colubridae --

Elapidae --

Bibliography --

Index.