Comparing serpentine locomotion
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Posted by Audrey Barnhart on December 06, 2001 at 00:06:38:
Does anyone have references, info, on comparative locomotion between different spp of Colubrids that use serpentine & concertina locomotion? I have a pr. of mature captive-bred P. melanoleucus, and a pr. of yearling cb L. p. pyromelana. I am struck by the difference in 'gait' between the two, not so much when creeping along in concertina in a small space, but marked when moving out in serpentine. Is this a function of age (I don't think so--my Pines were a bit faster when short little babes, but not like this, or so lithe in movement quality), or keeled vs. smooth scales? Or is there a difference in ventral scale/rib count & musculature that would account for such a visual difference in movement? My kids are 'down under' now, so can't do any experiments w/ them. Some baseline biostructure info would help me come up w/ some great interpretive activities for kids!
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