General Snake Teeth:
* Aglyphous: These snakes have solid, straight teeth in their jaws, used for gripping and holding prey. Most constrictors, like pythons and boas, fall into this category. They are not venomous.
* Opisthoglyphous: These snakes have one or more enlarged, grooved teeth located in the back of the upper jaw. These teeth inject venom into prey after it's been grasped. Examples include the boomslang and the brown tree snake.
* Proteroglyphous: These snakes have fixed, hollow fangs located at the front of their upper jaws. Venom is injected through these fangs. This is the characteristic dentition of cobras, mambas, and kraits.
* Solenoglyphous: These snakes have long, hollow fangs that can be folded back against the roof of the mouth when not in use. These fangs are hinged and rotate forward when the snake strikes, injecting venom into its prey. This is the dentition of vipers, rattlesnakes, and copperheads.
Positioning:
* Maxillary Teeth: These are the primary teeth in the upper jaw. Their size and shape vary depending on the snake's diet and venomous status.
* Mandibular Teeth: These are the teeth located in the lower jaw, often smaller than the maxillary teeth.
* Palatine Teeth: Some snakes have additional teeth on the roof of their mouth, called palatine teeth.
* Pterygoid Teeth: These teeth are located on the bones behind the palatine, and they are used for moving food towards the throat.
Examples:
* Constrictors (Aglyphous): Their teeth are relatively small and point backwards to help hold prey firmly.
* Vipers (Solenoglyphous): Their fangs are large and located at the front of the upper jaw, and they can rotate forward when the snake strikes.
* Cobras (Proteroglyphous): Their fangs are fixed and located at the front of the upper jaw.
Important Note: Snake teeth are constantly being replaced throughout their lives, much like our own teeth.
This is just a general overview, and there is much more to learn about the diversity of snake teeth and their role in feeding.