How Snakes Move! (They don't just slither!)

Summary

In this video, we explore the four unique methods of locomotion used by snakes to move without legs. These include serpentine locomotion (side-to-side undulation), concertina locomotion (accordion-like movement), sidewinding (vertical and horizontal movement), and rectilinear locomotion (straight-line motion). Each method is adapted to different environments, such as hot, sandy terrains or tight underground spaces. The video also highlights the fascinating scientific discoveries behind these movements, such as the recent understanding of rectilinear locomotion. Overall, the video offers an insightful look at how snakes navigate the world in surprising ways.

Takeaways

• 😀 Snakes move without legs using four different types of locomotion: serpentine, concertina, sidewinding, and rectilinear.
• 😀 Serpentine locomotion is the side-to-side slithering motion that most people associate with snakes, using objects like rocks or branches for leverage.
• 😀 The word 'undulation' is key to understanding serpentine movement, referring to the wave-like motion of the snake's body.
• 😀 Concertina locomotion involves the snake anchoring its body in stages, similar to how an accordion expands and contracts.
• 😀 Concertina movement is also compared to a sideways inchworm, where the snake bunches up and extends its body forward in stages.
• 😀 Sidewinding locomotion is used by rattlesnakes like the Sidewinder, involving both vertical and horizontal movement to propel the snake forward.
• 😀 Sidewinding minimizes contact with hot surfaces and is ideal for moving in loose or slippery sand.
• 😀 Rectilinear locomotion is a straight-line movement, where the snake uses its flexible belly muscles to slide forward without bending its spine.
• 😀 Rectilinear locomotion is often used by burrowing snakes or those living in narrow spaces like tunnels.
• 😀 Scientists only recently (in 2017) discovered how rectilinear locomotion works, highlighting how much there is still to learn about snake behavior.
• 😀 The four methods of locomotion help snakes adapt to different environments, from narrow tunnels to hot deserts or slippery surfaces.

Q & A

What are the four types of locomotion used by snakes?

The four types of locomotion used by snakes are serpentine locomotion, concertina locomotion, sidewinding locomotion, and rectilinear locomotion.

What is serpentine locomotion in snakes?

Serpentine locomotion, also known as lateral undulation, is the side-to-side movement that snakes use by pushing off solid objects like rocks or branches to propel themselves forward.

What is the significance of the term 'undulation' in describing snake movement?

'Undulation' refers to a wavy or side-to-side motion. It's the term used to describe the serpentine locomotion seen in snakes, where the body moves in an undulating pattern.

How does concertina locomotion differ from serpentine locomotion?

In concertina locomotion, snakes alternately extend and anchor parts of their body, much like an accordion. They bunch up their body and reach forward to propel themselves, whereas serpentine locomotion involves a continuous side-to-side slithering motion.

Why is concertina locomotion compared to an inchworm?

Concertina locomotion is compared to an inchworm because both involve a process of bunching up and reaching forward before repeating the action, though concertina movement happens sideways rather than vertically.

What environmental conditions make sidewinding locomotion effective for snakes?

Sidewinding locomotion is particularly effective in hot, dry environments and loose, sandy surfaces because it minimizes the snake's body contact with the ground, reducing heat absorption and increasing mobility in slippery conditions.

How does sidewinding locomotion work mechanically?

Sidewinding locomotion involves the snake moving both side-to-side and vertically. It lifts parts of its body off the ground while using three anchor points to move forward, which helps it move efficiently over hot or unstable surfaces.

What is rectilinear locomotion, and when do snakes use it?

Rectilinear locomotion is a straight-line movement where the snake's body remains relatively straight, using its belly muscles to inch forward. It is commonly used by snakes living underground or in confined spaces, such as burrowing species.

Why was rectilinear locomotion not fully understood until recently?

Rectilinear locomotion was not fully understood until a 2017 study, which revealed that the snake's belly skin, supported by specialized muscles, anchors and pulls the body forward in a smooth, repetitive motion.

Which snake species commonly uses sidewinding locomotion?

Sidewinding locomotion is most commonly associated with the Sidewinder rattlesnake, which is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

What role do belly muscles play in rectilinear locomotion?

In rectilinear locomotion, the snake's belly muscles contract and extend, allowing the belly skin to grip the ground and move the body forward in a series of smooth, repetitive motions.