What specialized locomotion movement does the *Crotalus atrox* employ when navigating tunnels or tight spots efficiently?
Answer
Concertina movement
The serpentine form of the snake is adapted for different modes of movement depending on the environment. When the snake encounters narrow spaces, such as tunnels, or requires highly efficient movement in constricted areas, it utilizes a characteristic 'concertina' movement. This technique involves the body being deliberately pulled into a series of bends or coils, which are then sequentially straightened out to generate forward propulsion. This functional movement contrasts sharply with the posture adopted during defense, which is the S-coil.
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