**True**

Snakes do indeed swallow their food whole. Unlike humans and most other animals, snakes have a unique ability to consume their prey without chewing it into smaller pieces. Let's explore the reasons behind this behavior.

**Adaptations for Swallowing Prey Whole:**

- *Flexible jaws:* Snakes have incredibly flexible jaws that are not fused together like ours. This allows them to open their mouths wide and stretch their jaws to accommodate larger prey. The lower jaw is also connected by elastic ligaments, enabling it to move independently.

- *Elongated body structure:* Snakes have a long, slender body structure that allows them to engulf their prey. The muscles in their body and throat contract and expand, assisting in the process of swallowing.

- *Loose skin and specialized organs:* Snakes have loose skin that can expand to accommodate the size of their meal. They also possess specialized organs, such as the glottis, which helps them breathe while swallowing large prey. The glottis is located at the back of the throat and can be opened independently from the mouth.

- *Digestive adaptations:* Snakes have a highly efficient digestive system designed to break down and process whole prey. Their stomachs produce strong digestive acids that can dissolve bones, fur, and other indigestible parts of their meal.

**Benefits of Swallowing Prey Whole:**

- *Efficiency:* Swallowing prey whole is an efficient way for snakes to consume their food. It saves time and energy compared to chewing and grinding food into smaller pieces.

- *Minimal loss of nutrients:* By swallowing prey whole, snakes can extract maximum nutrients from their meal. Chewing food would result in some nutrient loss during the grinding process.

- *Safety:* Swallowing prey whole minimizes the risk of injury from sharp bones or spines. It also allows snakes to consume prey that may be larger than their own head.

**Conclusion:**

Snakes have evolved unique anatomical and physiological adaptations that enable them to swallow their food whole. This behavior provides them with several advantages, including efficient consumption and maximum nutrient extraction. So, the correct answer to the question is **(a) True**.

True