International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 78-89 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 81 addition, the change in the distance between continents has an impact on the diffusion paths of major snake species (Klein et al., 2021). The rise and fall of sea levels and the patterns of ocean circulation also play a significant role, especially for sea snakes and those living along the coast. In regions such as the Indo-Pacific Coral Triangle, the favorable climatic conditions in the past enabled Marine life to undergo evolutionary transformation. However, cold ocean currents (such as the Benguela Current) and geographical barriers (such as the Isthmus of Panama) prevent sea snakes from spreading to the Atlantic Ocean. These geographical and climatic obstacles result in almost no sea snakes in the Atlantic Ocean, although there are many species of sea snakes in the Indo-Pacific region (Lilly-White et al., 2018; Klein et al., 2021). 4 Contemporary Climate and Distribution 4.1 Temperature is the main limiting factor Temperature is an important environmental condition that determines the geographical distribution range of snakes. Snakes are cold-blooded animals and have to rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature, so they are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. At different latitudes and altitudes, the number of snakes is most closely related to temperature: in warm climates, there are more species of snakes. In cold climates, the number of snakes is significantly smaller. This dependence on temperature is more pronounced in temperate regions with lower temperatures. It will limit the activity time of snakes, their ability to find food and the survival probability after reproduction, and finally affect the survival of species and the number of species (McCain, 2010; Jesus et al., 2023). Even in tropical regions, temperature still plays a significant role in the activities and growth cycles of snakes. Seasonal changes and daily temperature fluctuations can both affect the activity time of snakes. Most snakes are more active in warmer climates. This indicates that temperature plays a key role in determining the distribution and behavioral patterns of snakes (McCain, 2010; Jesus et al., 2023). 4.2 The role of precipitation and humidity Precipitation and humidity have a significant impact on the number and activity of snakes in the ecosystem. In many regions, especially in tropical areas, water sources are directly related to the physical condition, food supply and reproduction of snakes. For instance, the activities and reproduction of snakes are generally most active during the rainy season because the humidity is higher at this time and there are more prey (Smith et al., 2019; Garcia-Cobos et al., 2020; Jesus et al., 2023). In arid or drought-prone areas, reduced precipitation will lead to a decline in the breeding number of snakes and a deterioration in the overall population condition. Studies on the North American pit viper have confirmed this (Smith et al., 2019). In some tropical ecosystems, humidity may be more important than temperature. It affects the activity patterns and habitat choices of snakes and helps snakes avoid dehydration (Jesus et al., 2023). The interaction of factors related to temperature and moisture has formed a complex pattern of snake diversity. Precipitation is an important ecological limiting factor, especially in areas with obvious dry or rainy seasons (Daltry et al., 1998; Moura et al., 2017; Da Motta Portillo et al., 2021). 4.3 Correlation between biodiversity hotspots and climate The hotspots of global snake biodiversity, such as the neotropical region and the Atlantic forest, are closely related to areas with favorable climatic conditions - these places have high temperatures and abundant precipitation. Due to the combined effect of stable temperature and abundant moisture, there are a large number of snake species and endemic species in these regions. This not only helps different snake species occupy suitable living Spaces but also reduces their physiological stress (Moura et al., 2017; Da Motta Portillo et al., 2021; Jesus et al., 2023). In areas with severe climate change, such as drier or extreme heat, snake populations may decrease and biome composition will become more unstable. The close link between climate and snake diversity suggests that these hot spots are more susceptible to current and future climate change, while also highlighting the need for targeted
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