You might assume that an absence of limbs would be a hindrance to movement. On the contrary, snakes generally find a way to get where they want to go (as the ratsnake pictured in this lesson illustrates), often with more ease than us. Considering that various snakes can traverse land, climb trees, burrow, swim on or under the water, scale walls, and even “fly,” it’s hard to consider not having legs as any hindrance at all! Some of their methods are: Lateral Undulation—also called “serpentine,” this is what most people think of when they picture a snake in motion. The snake undulates from head to tail and uses surface irregularities to propel itself forward.
This lesson is part of Certified Herpetological Guide. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 50 hours).
