Snakes have forked tongues, and many people are aware about this interesting fact.  But not that many people are aware of the reason for this or the fact that these creatures are actually deaf.  As a predatory animal, it is quite difficult for snakes to track down other animals for food.  It is said that all snakes cannot hear any sound from the air so they must be given something that can help them navigate their way through a bush and find some food. With this need comes their other abilities through the different parts of their bodies.  Overall, snakes are said to detect vibrations on the ground through a body sensor of some sort.  So instead of one claiming that the snakes may hear people walk through the forest, for example, the accurate statement would involve the snakes feeling that people are walking around in their environment.

Another ability given to snakes is their tracking prowess in terms of finding their prey, and they do this with their tongues. So basically their forked tongues serve the purpose of a tracking device for them to survive the jungle and find some food to eat.  These tongues are flicked in and out several times for the snake to literally get a taste of the air and the ground.  Their forked tongues receive chemicals, odors, and scents from the environment, and these are processed for interpretation.  If the snake is moving to find some food, then it will need its tongue to follow the scent of rats, for example.  It is said that if a snake finds the odor of its intended prey, it will be able to follow its tracks by simply using its forked tongue.  If the snake doesn’t find anything interesting, then it will try to find another route and start tasting the air and ground using its tongue.