What role does external temperature play in a snake's life?

External temperature is vital for regulating the metabolic activities of snakes because they are ectothermic animals, meaning they rely on their environment to manage their body temperature. Unlike warm-blooded animals that can maintain a constant internal temperature, snakes adjust their metabolism according to the temperature they experience in their surroundings.

In cooler temperatures, their metabolic rate decreases, affecting their digestion, movement, and overall energy levels. Conversely, when temperatures rise, their metabolic processes speed up, allowing them to be more active and efficient in hunting and digesting food. This reliance on external temperature highlights the importance of the surrounding environment for their survival, behavior, and physiological functions.