What limits an older, heavier yellow anaconda's ability to perform the rapid escape movement termed the 'S-start'?

Answer

A specific ratio of muscle strength to weight.

Recent scientific study has revealed nuance regarding the terrestrial agility of the yellow anaconda, particularly concerning a swift, sideways escape maneuver called the "S-start." This specialized movement involves the snake contorting its body into an S-shape and rapidly sliding sideways while keeping the central segment flat against the ground. Crucially, computer simulations analyzing this motion have concluded that its execution is highly dependent on maintaining a specific ratio between the snake's muscle strength and its overall body weight. As yellow anacondas exhibit indeterminate growth and continue to increase in bulk throughout their lives, older and significantly heavier individuals may find that their increased mass relative to their muscle capacity compromises this specific biomechanical advantage, effectively trading peak agility for sheer size.

What limits an older, heavier yellow anaconda's ability to perform the rapid escape movement termed the 'S-start'?

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