| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Total Authors: 2
|
| Affiliation: | [1] Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Instituto de Biologia. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecologia - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 2
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Brazilian Journal of Biology; v. 67, n. 2, p. 327-332, 2007-05-00. |
| Abstract | |
We studied the defensive strike of one species of each of five recognized lineages within the genus Bothrops, namely, B. alternatus, B. jararaca, B. jararacussu, B. moojeni and B. pauloensis. The defensive strike of the studied species was in general similar to that of Crotalus viridis and C. atrox, but some important differences were observed. Bothrops alternatus and B. pauloensis struck preferentially from a tight body posture, whereas B. jararaca and B. moojeni from a loose body posture. Defensive strikes were either true or false (during the latter, the mouth remains closed or partially open). Almost all strikes were successful; only on a few occasions snakes missed their target (flawed strikes). Strike variables were very conservative among the five species, especially strike distance and height, and one possible explanation may be related to constraints imposed on strike variables as a way of increasing strike accuracy. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 00/12339-2 - Natural history, ecology, and evolution of Brazilian vertebrates |
| Grantee: | Marcio Roberto Costa Martins |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |