Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

World

5 Indian animals that ‘smell’ with their tongues

5 Indian animals that ‘smell’ with their tongues

The Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, Indian rock python, and Bengal monitor lizard are all Indian animals that rely on a unique sensory system. This system involves flicking their forked tongues to collect chemical cues from their surroundings. These animals then use a specialized organ called the vomeronasal or Jacobson's organ to detect these chemical signals, which helps them gather information about their environment.

The forked tongue allows the animals to sample from slightly different directions, providing directional information about chemical trails. This unusual ability to "smell" with their tongues is a sophisticated way for these reptiles to navigate and find prey.

Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Also reported by 1 other outlet

Read the original at indianexpress.com →

More in World

More from Sunday 13 September →