Why Can’t Snakes Blink?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can’t snakes blink?

The Big Idea

Snakes can't blink because they have no movable eyelids! Instead, each eye is covered by a clear scale. It works like a built-in pair of goggles.

No Eyelids

Step one: skip the eyelids. Snakes do not have movable eyelids. So their eyes are always open, and it looks like they are staring at you, even while they sleep.

Clear Scale

Step two: use a clear scale. A clear scale covers each eye, like a built-in pair of goggles. It protects the eye from dust and scrapes as the snake slithers through grass and soil.

Shed It Off

Step three: shed it. When a snake sheds its skin, the clear scale comes off with it. Many lizards and fish can't blink either.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The eyes are always open, day and night. A clear scale covers each one. It shields the eye from dust. It is shed along with the old skin.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Fish don't blink because water keeps their eyes wet. A snake's eyes may look cloudy or bluish right before it sheds its skin, and then they clear up again. Some lizards, like geckos, also have clear scales over their eyes. If you see a snake outside, stay back and tell a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Have a staring contest with a friend for 30 seconds. When do you blink? Why do people need to blink? A snake's clear scale does the same job as your eyelids and tears.

Outro

A snake's clear eye scale is a built-in goggle. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!