Study finds snake spines have five distinct regions, necks only 7-12 vertebrae
New research has identified five separate anatomical zones in snake spines, overturning simpler earlier models of snake skeletal structure. The study found that snakes possess surprisingly short necks, a trait that reflects their evolutionary origins from lizard ancestors. Researchers also discovered a previously unrecognized middle thoracic region that appears specialized for locomotion. This region is believed to enhance snakes' abilities to burrow, swim, and climb across diverse environments. The findings suggest that snake skeletons underwent active structural evolution beyond simply losing limbs.
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