Organs detect scent: reptiles

The tongues of many reptiles help detect odors by gathering scent particles and transferring them to a chemoreceptor organ.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Process information >
	Sense signals/environmental cues >
	Chemicals (odor, taste, etc.)

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Biosensors with improved sensitivity.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Many snakes and reptiles combine the senses of smell and taste. When a snake flicks its forked tongue in and out of its mouth, it is sampling the air. The snake does not even need to open its mouth to do this. The tongue is flicked out through a small hole in the snake's lips, so its two slender forks can collect scent particles from the air or from an object such as a stone. Back inside the mouth, the tongue's forks are pressed into a pair of domed pits in the roof of the mouth, which have a moist lining that is sensitive to the chemicals it has picked up. The olfactory particles are transferred to the pits, which are well supplied with nerve endings, and are collectively known as Jacobson's organ. Although most often found in snakes, this organ is also common in other reptiles, especially terrestrial lizards." (Shuker 2001:31)

About the inspiring organism

Reptilia
Reptilia

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Biosensors with improved sensitivity.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Biosensors for security, utilities, mining, indoor air quality use

References

Shuker, KPN. 2001. The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature. London: Marshall Editions Ltd. 240 p.

Organs detect scent: reptiles

Content tools

Curator of this page

Comments