Book 32, Question 4 · Video
How many backbone bones can a snake have?
Your backbone has about thirty-three bones called vertebrae. Many snakes have far more, from about two hundred to over four hundred. Each joint bends only a little, but all of them together let a snake curl, loop, and wiggle in almost any direction. Longer bodies often mean more vertebrae. A snake’s spine is like a very long string of tiny beads.
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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 many backbone bones can a snake have?
The Big Idea
A snake can curl, loop, and twist! Its backbone is the secret. How many backbone bones can a snake have?
Your Backbone
Step one: Your Backbone. Your backbone has about thirty-three bones called vertebrae. They stack up from your neck to your hips.
Snake Backbone
Step two: Snake Backbone. Many snakes have far more, from about two hundred to over four hundred. Longer bodies often mean more vertebrae.
Little Bends
Step three: Little Bends. Each joint bends only a little. But all of them together let a snake curl, loop, and wiggle in almost any direction, like a long string of tiny beads.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! About 33. Hundreds. Bend a little. Add up.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Each snake vertebra has its own pair of ribs for most of the body. Some snakes have over 400 vertebrae. Longer snakes often have more bones. A snake's spine is like a string of beads.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up's help, gently run a finger down a friend's back. Feel the bumps of the vertebrae. Count how many you can feel in the neck. Then count down the back. Compare with a snake's hundreds!
Outro
You have about thirty-three vertebrae, but many snakes have two hundred to over four hundred. Each joint bends a little, and together they let a snake curl and loop in almost any direction. Science is amazing! The world is full of surprises. Keep asking big questions, and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!