Book 32, Question 3 · Video
How are a snake’s ribs different from yours?
You have about twelve pairs of ribs that curl around your chest and meet at a breastbone. A snake has no breastbone, and its ribs run along almost its whole body, from just behind the head to near the tail. The ribs end in loose tips, so the body can stretch wide. Muscles link the ribs to the belly scales, which helps the snake move.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How are a snake’s ribs different from yours?
The Big Idea
You have ribs, and so does a snake! But a snake's ribs are very different. How are they different from yours?
Your Ribs
Step one: Your Ribs. You have about twelve pairs of ribs that curl around your chest. They meet at the front at a breastbone.
Snake Ribs
Step two: Snake Ribs. A snake has no breastbone at all. Its ribs run along almost its whole body, from just behind the head to near the tail.
Loose Tips
Step three: Loose Tips. The ribs end in loose tips, so the body can stretch wide for a big meal. Muscles link the ribs to the belly scales, which helps the snake move.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Twelve pairs. Hundreds. Stretch wide. Help it move.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Some big snakes have hundreds of ribs. Snakes have no breastbone. Snake bodies can stretch wide. Ribs help snakes move.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! String dry pasta tubes onto a piece of yarn. Bend the string like a snake's body. Now try to bend a stiff ruler. Which one bends? That's why a snake's many small parts help it curl.
Outro
You have about twelve pairs of ribs that meet at a breastbone. A snake has no breastbone, and its ribs run almost its whole length with loose tips, so its body can stretch and move. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!