What specialized scales provide friction for serpentine motion in snakes?
Answer
Ventral scales
The specialized scales found on the underside of a snake are called ventral scales. These broad scales are crucial for locomotion as they provide the necessary friction and purchase against the ground surface, whether the snake is moving in a serpentine wave, moving rectilinearly, or utilizing the sidewinding technique, which varies by species and substrate. These ventral scales often contrast sharply in size with the smaller scales covering the dorsal (upper) surface of the body.
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