Snake Embryos Twist into Spirals Because of Differential Growth, New Study Finds

Researchers have explained why snake embryos begin life curled into a right‑handed spiral. By examining more than 900 embryos and applying CT scans, the team found that the animal’s body grows faster than its gut. The resulting tether forces the elongating embryo to buckle and twist inside the egg, producing the characteristic spiral shape. The study clarifies a long‑standing mystery in reptile development and demonstrates how differential growth rates can shape embryonic morphology.