Why do snakes have forked tongues?

Snakes have forked tongues to enhance their sense of smell and direction. When flicking their tongues, they collect scent particles from the air and transfer them to the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. The forked design allows snakes to detect differences in scent concentration on either side, helping them locate prey, mates, or predators. This adaptation is crucial for survival, especially since snakes lack external ears and rely heavily on their sense of smell.