Snakes Typically are Longer Than Lizards Due to Which Mechanism

Question

Snakes typically are longer than lizards due to which mechanism?  
A) Variation in ALX1 alleles
B) Snakes have longer vertebrae
C) Snakes have shorter somites
D) Lizard embryos form somites at a faster rate
E) Snakes form somites rapidly compared to lizards

Accepted Answer

Snakes typically achieve their length through the rapid formation of somites compared to lizards. Somites are segmented blocks of tissue that later differentiate into vertebrae, ribs, and skeletal muscle. The rapid and prolonged formation of somites in snake embryos contributes to their elongated body structure.