The most powerful "poison king" in the snake world is not on land, but in...

About tens of millions of years ago, the ancient cobra, the ancestor of sea snakes, decided to step out of land and into the ocean, starting their ocean adventure. This transformation was not completed overnight, but went through a long process of genetic variation and natural selection. In order to swim effectively, they developed a streamlined body to reduce water resistance, and their limbs evolved into paddles to help them move underwater. Although they still rely on lungs to breathe, sea snakes have evolved the ability to breathe on the water surface, and some species can even breathe with the help of the skin to extend their underwater time. In order to identify prey in the dim ocean, sea snakes' eyes have enlarged and their vision has been enhanced to adapt to the current environment. Then they gradually adapted to a fully aquatic lifestyle.

Sea snakes are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical waters, especially along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and around nearby islands. They prefer warm waters and live in coral reefs, mangrove swamps and estuaries, and occasionally appear in the open sea. Some species of sea snakes have the habit of migrating, looking for suitable breeding places as the seasons change.

The venom of sea snakes is one of the most striking features of their evolution. Its venom is 10 times more toxin than that of rattlesnakes. Although their venom is very dangerous to humans, in the process of evolution, this trait is for hunting rather than self-defense. The venom can help sea snakes kill prey quickly and avoid being entangled with prey for too long in the complex environment of the seabed, saving energy and preventing potential injuries. If you are accidentally bitten by a sea snake, although you will not feel strong pain, you must not be careless and go to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible, because you may die within a few hours or days after the bite.

In recent years, scientists have shown an increasing interest in studying sea snakes, especially in toxicology and evolutionary biology. The composition of sea snake venom and its evolution provide a window into biodiversity and aid in drug development, especially in the application of antivenom and treatment of neurological diseases.

Although sea snakes are vital to the health of marine ecosystems, they also face many threats, including habitat destruction, fishing and pollution. The importance of protecting sea snakes and their habitats is becoming increasingly recognized, and many countries and regions have begun to implement relevant protection policies aimed at maintaining the diversity of this unique species.

Sea snakes, the hidden inhabitants of the ocean world, are not only a key part of the ecological environment, but also a treasure for scientific exploration. They remind us that the diversity and complexity of marine life far exceeds our imagination. Protecting the ocean is protecting ourselves. Let us work together to protect the marine ecology and leave a vibrant blue planet for the next generation.