Boidae

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/boidae

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Boidae
2. What is the geographic distribution?Americas, Africa, and Oceania (Australia, New Guinea)
3. What are Boidae snakes and why are they called "the big squeeze"?Boidae snakes are a family of big, non‑venomous snakes that use powerful muscle coils to squeeze their prey. They are called "the big squeeze" because they rely on constriction to catch food.
4. Where can you find Boidae snakes in the world?Most Boidae snakes live in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. In Australia and New Guinea, they are especially common, showing their ancient origins.

Infraorder Alethinophidia: A major group of snakes characterized by the absence of pelvic girdle and hind limbs, including most living snakes.
Cranial Kinesis: The ability of the skull bones to move independently, allowing for extreme jaw distension.
Ovoviviparous: Reproduction where eggs develop and hatch within the body of the parent, resulting in live birth.