True Facts: Snake and Lizard Tongues

Abstract

In this era of social media, “fake news,” and every effort to discredit science, essential science communication is imperative to student learning. Students need to have access to factual, accurate scientific information to help them learn basic concepts. True Facts: Snake and Lizard Tongues takes scientific communication to the next level. It offers a straight-to-the-point, humorous survey of the anatomy and physiology of reptile tongues, while also delving into their evolution.The 10-minute YouTube video takes the viewer through a deep look into the work of Dr. Kurt Schwenk (“a good science name” according to the narrator). It examines the structure and function of lizard and snake tongues, looking at how these organisms are able to “see” and “hear” by using them. It talks about how the tongue evolved from a common ancestor but then diverged because not all organisms use it in the same manner.Excellent photography shows the diversity of reptile tongues—from the forked tongue of snakes to the sticky tongues of skinks. Each of these animals has a tongue that is adapted for a particular function.Snakes, for example, are the champion “smellers” with their tongues due to it being long, skinny, and forked at the end. It turns out that the very tips of each fork are loaded with millions of tiny chemoreceptors that can detect many types of molecules. Additionally, Dr. Schwenk has determined that each fork of the snake tongue is able to rotate in an opposite direction, creating tiny vortices of air. Snakes are also unique in that they flick their tongues up and down in the air. The receptors on the tips are able to collect the molecules that converge in these vortices to give the snake a complete picture of the stimulus. They can sample two different things at once. This all happens each time the snake sticks its tongue out.Skinks are another animal with a unique tongue. Their tongues are a bit wider than snakes’ tongues and also covered with scales. They are more used tools for swallowing than sensing. However, they also have the ability to grasp things, similar to the way an elephant’s trunk can. The skink has evolved this ability to help it trap and eat large prey. The tongue also has a sticky mucus on it to prevent the prey from escaping.The fact that Dr. Schwenk has devoted his life to the study of lizard and snake tongues is remarkable. His discoveries show a lot about the evolution of these animals and provide needed information about adaptation in the animal kingdom.True Facts: Snake and Lizard Tongues has a lot of science in it. It is a great exploration of adaptation and evolution. It is appropriate for students in high school and Advanced Placement Biology classes, as well as in college biology courses. It does a wonderful job of communicating very interesting information in a manner that is engaging and entertaining. However, a word of warning. The video does use some language that may be inappropriate for students in school settings. Swear words are bleeped out, but there are several other references that may be deemed suggestive. Teachers should review the video before showing it to be sure their students will be comfortable with it.