Vertical Undulation in Snakes: Can they do the Wave?

[Past Project]

Dr. Henry Astley and Derek Jurestovsky


 

 

 

 

 

 

Limbs are generally considered essential for movement, and yet despite this apparent limitation, snakes are extremely successful, with well over 3,000 speciesacross a huge range of habitats. Using their elongate bodies, snakes have evolved  multiple different modes of locomotion to exploit a variety of environments. Snakes employ up to four different locomotor types: lateral undulation (aka. “slithering”, rectilinear, concertina, and sidewinding, with numerous variations within those types. In some of these types, snakes will vertically lift the body to control ground contact forces, but propulsion is due to horizontal waves.  The goal of this research project is to determine whether snakes can use vertical motions to generate propulsion against uneven terrain.

Benefits

  • Learn Physics of Locomotion
  • Research Experience
  • Work with Live Animals (snakes yay!)
  • Learn New Skills/Technologies
  • Mentor Incoming Students
  • Resume Builder!

Click here for other information about Dr. Astley’s lab.