Seeing Heat: The Sensory Systems Of Boas, Pythons And Pit Vipers

The video explores how snakes, particularly pythons and boas, use thermal vision to hunt with precision. Supported by the National Science Foundation, Florida Tech biologist Michael Grace studies these reptiles' infrared sensors. The research aims to enhance artificial infrared devices for various applications. Snakes can be trained to use their thermal senses for complex tasks, as demonstrated in experiments. Understanding these abilities could help manage invasive species like pythons in the Everglades. The video concludes by highlighting the ecological impact of these snakes and their unique sensory capabilities.

What are the potential applications of better infrared sensors inspired by snakes?

Describe the experiment conducted to test the Burmese python's thermal sensing.