The Simplicity of a Snake Skeleton
Snakes, whether you like them or not, are some of the smoothest-moving creatures in the animal kingdom. Their fluid movements have often left a person or two wondering whether they have bones or not, and if they do, how can a skeleton allow for slithering. Well, it’s helpful that they have a simple one, consisting of a long spine and more ribs than a human can dream of having. These (mostly) disconnected ribs help snakes grow and contract when needed. They can make themselves small if they need to hide or they can make themselves larger to appear more threatening. Snakes also have loosely hinged jaws; the lower jaw can gape apart in the front. This is what allows them to swallow foods much larger than their heads and even their girth of their bodies.