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The secret of a snake's slither
June 10, 2009Mathematicians uncover the hidden patterns and movements that snakes use to move without legs
Snake locomotion may seem simple compared to walking or galloping. But in reality, it's no easy task to move without legs. Previous research has assumed that snakes move by pushing off of rocks and debris around them. But a study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says that it's all in their design--specifically, their scales.
In addition, snakes aren't lying completely flat against the ground as they slither. They redistribute their weight as they move, concentrating it in areas where their bodies can get the most friction with the ground and therefore maximize thrust. In this way, snake slithering is not unlike human walking--we, too, shift our weight from left to right to enable us to move.
National Science Foundation
Snakes Current Events and Snakes News RSSReport Documents the Risks of Giant Invasive Snakes in the U.S.
Five giant non-native snake species would pose high risks to the health of ecosystems in the United States should they become established here, according to a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report released today.
Tiny pump means pain relief for big cats
Veterinarians from the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo and the University of Tennessee have found a solution to the challenge of providing effective pain relief to some of their most difficult patients: big cats.
The first gene-encoded amphibian toxin isolated
Researchers in China have discovered the first protein-based toxin in an amphibian -a 60 amino acid neurotoxin found in the skin of a Chinese tree frog. This finding may help shed more light into both the evolution of amphibians and the evolution of poison.
Roadrunners not too fast for AgriLife researcher
Wile E. Coyote might not have been able to catch up with the roadrunner on the Saturday morning cartoons, but one Texas AgriLife Research scientist has had no problems.
Naming evolution's winners and losers
Mammals and many species of birds and fish are among evolution's "winners," while crocodiles, alligators and a reptile cousin of snakes known as the tuatara are among the losers, according to new research by UCLA scientists and colleagues.
Discovery of a water snake that startles fish in a way that makes them flee into its jaws
Forget the old folk tales about snakes hypnotizing their prey. The tentacled snake from South East Asia has developed a more effective technique.
Different genes cause loss of body parts in similar fish
New research shows that when two species of stickleback fish evolved and lost their pelvises and body armor, the changes were caused by different genes in each species.
CU-Boulder study shows 53 million-year-old high Arctic mammals wintered in darkness
Ancestors of tapirs and ancient cousins of rhinos living above the Arctic Circle 53 million years ago endured six months of darkness each year in a far milder climate than today that featured lush, swampy forests.
Komodo even more deadly than thought: Research
The carnivorous reptiles (Varanus komodoensis) are known to bite prey and release them, leaving them to bleed to death from their wounds: the victims are reported to go into shock before the dragons kill and eat them.
A combined tooth-venom arsenal revealed as key to Komodo dragon's hunting strategy
A combined tooth-venom arsenal revealed as key to Komodo Dragon's hunting strategy.
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The New Encyclopedia of Snakes by Chris Mattison (Author) Comprehensive, up-to-date, and richly illustrated with some 200 color photographs, The New Encyclopedia of Snakes is the best single-volume reference on snakes. A thorough revision of the highly successful Encyclopedia of Snakes, Chris Mattison's new book is the only one of its kind to deal in detail with snakes from around the world. Addressing the natural history of snakes and their relationship with each other and with other groups of animals, the book incorporates new information on snake biology and classification and includes a complete list of every family and genus, with notes on each. Throughout, photographs show the fascinating variety of snake coloration and camouflage, and illustrate and clarify the many topics covered. Organized thematically, the book addresses the... |
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Sack Of Snakes by Melissa & Doug Sack of Snakes from Melissa & Doug. Ages 3+ |
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Snake by Chris Mattison (Author) With a new format and the most up-to-date information available, discover fascinating physical and behavioral characteristics of more than 3,000 snakes from around the world. |
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Amazing Snakes! (I Can Read Book 2) by Sarah L. Thomson (Author) If you were a snake, you could . . . sleep all winter! grow as long as a school bus! swallow your food whole! crawl out of your skin!Featuring stunning full-color photographs from the Wildlife Conservation Society, this is the latest title in an exciting I Can Read Book series that takes readers into the amazing world of animals. |
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Gamewright Hisss Card Game, the Colorful Snake-Making Card Game by Gamewright As each Hisss snake slithers its way across the playing area, it introduces color identification and visual logic: Does it make sense to have a snake with two tails and no head' Are those two colors the same or not' Even elementary counting skills come into play during scoring at the end of the game. No reading required. For 2 to 5 players. |
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The Best Book of Snakes by Christiane Gunzi (Author) Realistic illustrations capture each individual species, while evocative text and dramatic artwork recreate the life, habitats, and behavior of these fascinating reptiles—from harmless grass snakes to the deadly taipan of Australia. This handy paperback is just the thing for young herpetologists on the go. |
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14k Yellow Gold 1.2mm Diamond-Cut Snake Chain Necklace, 20" by Amazon.com Collection |
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Safari Incredible Creatures - Cobra by Safari No snake is more famous or more fascinating than the cobra. This replica can be posed in either the slithering or striking position. The exposed (but safe) fangs add even more realism. Includes 5-language educational information. Size is 36" long Age 3+ |
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Time For Kids: Snakes! by Editors Of Time For Kids (Author) Large, dramatic photographs of a variety of snakes and a brief fact–filled text will fascinate young, confident readers. Level 3 – includes varied sentence structure and paragraphs, challenging vocabulary presented in a clear context, and detailed diagrams, captions, fact boxes, interviews with experts. Special features include How Big?, Take a Close Look, Did You Know?, Words to Know, Fun Facts and 27 full color photographs, as well as a full page, labeled diagram showing body parts. |
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DK Readers: Slinky, Scaly Snakes (Level 2: Beginning to Read Alone) by Jennifer Dussling (Author) This Level 2 book is perfect for children who are beginning to read alone. Longer sentences and an expanded vocabulary make this series of 48-page books slightly more challenging: Level 2 is appropriate for children who have started to read but still need help. Information boxes full of background information will stimulate inquisitive minds. These books contain between 700 and 850 words, and they are approximately 70 percent pictures and 30 percent text. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a... |
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