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Raised Tooth Count on the Right Mandible, as a Convergent Trait Derived from Gastropod Specialization, in Storeria occipitomaculata. Zach Warring. http:// www.gpnc.org/redbellysnake.htm.
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Raised Tooth Count on the Right Mandible, as a Convergent Trait Derived from Gastropod Specialization, in Storeriaoccipitomaculata Zach Warring http://www.gpnc.org/redbellysnake.htm http://www.kbs.ku.edu/research/ecology-smooth-earth-snake-virginia-valeriae-and-redbelly-snake-storeria-occipitomaculata-northeastern-kansas/
Motivation and Background • Very little is known about Redbelly snake diets but there are speculations that they specialize in snails and slugs as their primary consumption • Several species of snakes, worldwide, are known to have developed the convergent trait of raised tooth count on the right side of their lower jaw. • This trait only comes about in species of snakes who specialize in snails as their primary diet • Snail shells coil clockwise and therefore allow the right lower jaw of the snake to extend further into the shell than the left side • Raised tooth count on the right side of the jaw allows for better grip and thus more efficient removal of the snail from its shell
Methods • Obtain 100wet (alcohol preserved) adult specimens of Redbelly Snakes (Storeriaoccipitomaculata) • X-Ray the skull of each specimen (it is possible to put several specimens in a single X-Ray) • Examine the X-Rays and do a tooth count on each side of the lower jaw for each specimen
Data Possible graph if difference is minimal Possible graph if there is no difference Possible graph if difference is large
Analysis of Data • Because of the paired relationship of data points, a PAIRED T-TEST would be best for proper analysis • Using a PAIRED T-TEST will allow for us to determine if the difference between tooth count from right to left is statistically significant or not • An alpha value of .05 will be used