Snakes are known for their iconic S-shaped movements. But they have a less noticeable skill that gives them a unique superpower.
Snakes can crawl in a straight line.
University of Cincinnati biologist Bruce Jayne studied the mechanics of snake movement to understand exactly how they can propel themselves forward like a train through a tunnel.
“It’s a very good way to move in confined spaces,” Jayne said. “A lot of heavy-bodied snakes use this locomotion: vipers, boa constrictors, anacondas and pythons.”
His study titled “Crawling without Wiggling” was published in December in the Journal of Experimental Biology.