The Importance of Being Where God Wants You to Be
Because they move without limbs, snakes need robust skin that can withstand constant friction. Some species climb rough tree trunks, while others burrow into abrasive sand. What makes the skin of a snake so durable?
Consider this: The skin of snakes can differ in thickness and structure from one species to another. However, the skin of all snakes has one thing in common: It is firm on the outside and becomes progressively softer toward the inside.
Why is this advantageous? According to researcher Marie-Christin Klein, "Material that has a transition from a stiff outside to a flexible inside can distribute an impacting force over a larger area." The unique structure of snake skin allows sufficient traction between the body and the ground for the snake to move, while evenly distributing pressure from sharp-edged stones to minimize damage. Durability is vital, as snakes usually shed their skin only every two to three months12.
Materials with properties similar to snake skin may be useful in the field of medicine, for example, in manufacturing slip-resistant and extra-durable artificial implants. Additionally, drive and conveyor machinery that mimics the construction of snake skin may require fewer pollutive lubricants
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