Question

The second head of Sand Boa is __________.
A. Non-functional
B. Blunt tail end
C. Fully functional
D. Without poison fangs

Answer 1

Sand Boas are also called two-headed snakes commonly. They do not really have two heads. Their tail resembles a head. It is a change just to frighten other species or protect itself from its predators.

Step by step answer: The Sand Boa belongs to a subfamily of non-venomous snakes which is Erycinae. These are found in Europe, Asia, Africa, Arabia, and a few other countries. These species are prone to extinction. They are competent burrowers and stout-bodied. Sexual dimorphism is observed in these. The Red Sand Boa is also a protected species. It seems that it has two heads and hence often called two-headed snakes. The tail visually resembles its head. The tail is exactly shaped like its head and hence the appearance. This is a behavioral trait of the species to show a defense mechanism. This change has occurred for protection i.e. the animal defends itself and escapes predators by this feature. In other reptiles, the tail appears as pointed but in this species it is blunt. Since the second head is actually a tail, it contains no structure similar to its head.
So, the correct answer is: The second head of Sand Boa is blunt tail end.

Note: The tail end does not serve the function of its head. But it does not mean it is non-functional. It can of course function as a tail while appearing as a head to defend itself. In Behavioural Biology or Ethology, these behaviors of animals are referred to as ‘defense mechanisms’.
Recently, these species are facing risks of extinction due to various causes including poaching. These are poached because they possess some medical or medicinal properties. Moreover, there is a huge demand for the skin in black markets. Hence, action has been taken- they are protected under Schedule IV of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.