Reptiles Locomotion Quiz

What is the main difference between serpentine locomotion of snakes and running of lizards?

• Snakes use lateral bending of the back, while lizards use vertical bending of the back

• Snakes use waves that travel forward along the body, while lizards use standing waves

• Snakes use standing waves, while lizards use waves that travel backwards along the body

• Snakes use waves that travel backwards along the body, while lizards use standing waves

What is the maximum recorded glide angle for snakes of the genus Chrysopelea?

• 15°

• 13°

• 10°

• 5°

How do geckos detach their strongly adhesive feet from a vertical wall?

• By shaking their feet vigorously

• By peeling them off like medical adhesive plasters

• By using claws

• By using suction cups

What is the main reason why tropical American lizards of the genus Basiliscus can run on the surface of water?

• The use of fins on their feet

• The large size of their feet

• The initial slap accelerates a substantial mass of water downwards

• The presence of air-filled holes in the water

What is the main reason why crocodiles use a 'high walk' gait?

• To swim faster

• To climb trees

• To conserve energy

• To move faster on land

What is the main reason why tortoises have evolved remarkably slow, remarkably economical muscles?

• To climb trees

• To pursue prey

• To withdraw into their carapaces

• To swim faster

What is the main reason why lizards rise up on their hind legs when they run fast?

• To accelerate violently

• To increase their speed

• To reduce the load on their hind legs

• To initiate mid-air tail movements

What is the main reason why some turtles can swim quite fast?

• The elasticity of the take-off branch

• The flapping of their modified legs as flippers

• The presence of air-filled holes in the water

• The use of fins on their feet

What is the main reason why small snakes can bridge the widest gaps relative to body length?

• The use of their body as a cantilever

• The elasticity of the take-off branch

• The use of fins on their feet

• The presence of air-filled holes in the water

What is the main reason why lizards of the genus Draco flatten out a bit during gliding?

• To decrease their lift

• To increase their lift

• To reduce their speed

• To gather speed