Mechanical Properties of the Integument of the Common Gartersnake, Thamnophis Sirtalis (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Experimental Biology

Volume

15

Issue

208

Publication Date

2005

First Page

2913

Last Page

2922

Abstract

The evolution of the ophidian feeding mechanism has involved substantial morphological restructuring associated with the ability to ingest relatively large prey. Previous studies examining the morphological consequences of macrophagy have concentrated on modifications of the skull and cephalic musculature. Although it is evident that macrophagy requires highly compliant skin, the mechanical properties of the ophidian integument have received limited attention, particularly in the context of feeding. We examined mechanical properties of skin along the body axis in Thamnophis sirtalis (Colubridae). Data were collected from tensile tests and were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and post-hoc multiple comparison tests. Significant differences in mechanical properties were detected among regions of the body. In general, prepyloric skin is more compliant than postpyloric skin, consistent with the demands of macrophagy.

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