HEART POSITION IN SNAKES AND GRAVITATIONAL PRESSURE

Gravitational pressure gradients affect the cardiovascular system of all animals. The intensity of this
effect varies according to an organisms features, behavior and habitat occupied.
Snakes are limbless, elongated and lack a pectoral girdle. Though restricted in limb movement, they have
evolved to occupy all ecological niches. Regardless of its evolutionary success, its body plan affects its
cardiovascular function. How is this so? In a vertical column of fluid gravity creates a vertical pressure
gradient that increases with tube height. This pressure has physiological consequences; for example,
increased gravitational pressure will distend the distal veins below the heart and may cause significant
blood pooling and increased plasma leakage into the surrounding tissues.
Two different points of view have emerged seeking to explain how snakes have adapted to the
gravitational pressure.
One study hypothesizes that heart position should correlate with behavioral ecology or habitat. Explain
Another study investigates the hypothesis and