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Related Experiment Videos

Testing an inference of function from structure: snake vertebrae do the twist.

B R Moon1

  • 1Department of Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. bmoon@u.washington.edu

Journal of Morphology
|August 26, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Snake vertebrae, contrary to popular belief, do allow for axial torsion. This study demonstrates that vertebral torsion occurs during snake locomotion and is mechanically possible, challenging structural inferences.

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Biomechanics
  • Vertebrate Anatomy

Background:

  • The function of snake vertebral articulations, specifically zygapophyses and zygosphene-zygantrum joints, is often inferred from morphology.
  • It is hypothesized that these structures restrict or eliminate vertebral torsion, limiting snake locomotion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and quantify axial torsion in gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus).
  • To examine the structural basis and mechanical capacity for vertebral torsion.
  • To determine if vertebral torsion occurs during natural snake behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of vertebral articulation and epaxial muscle insertion angles.
  • Analysis of digitized video to quantify axial torsion during terrestrial lateral undulation.

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  • Mechanical testing of vertebral joint torsion capacity in fresh snake trunk segments.

    • Main Results:

    • Vertebral articulation angles vary significantly, influencing torsional capacity along the snake's trunk.
    • Gopher snakes exhibit up to 2.19 degrees of torsion per vertebra during locomotion.
    • Vertebral joints possess a mechanical capacity for up to 2.89 degrees of torsion per joint.

    Conclusions:

    • Vertebral torsion occurs in snakes and is mechanically feasible, despite complex articulations.
    • Axial torsion appears functionally important in snake locomotion and behavior.
    • Morphological inferences of function should be validated with empirical data, as structure does not solely dictate function.