Mack Foster, age 13, of Charlotte, N.C., for his question:

DO SNAKES HAVE EARS?

Considering the lowly habitat and various handicaps a snake lives with, he is truly an exceptionally well adjusted creature. Although he has no arms, no legs, no wings, very poor eyesight and no ears, this amazing reptile has thrived for thousands of years in just about every conceivable environment. Perhaps to make up for his shortcomings, he has an extremely keen sense of smell. What's more, he can detect changes in temperature as minute as five thousandths of a degree!

This fantastic talent helps him locate prey for a tasty meal. Although snakes typically swallow their prey whole, preferably head first, they take their time, sometimes taking 30 minutes or more to dine. Usually one good meal will take several days or even weeks to digest, which allows the snake plenty of time for other pursuits, such as taking a long nap in the shade.