What does horizontal, vertical, and oblique mean?
If an object is horizontal, it is parallel (level) to the ground and the horizon. A snake is horizontal when it slithers on the ground. Humans are horizontal when they are sleeping or lying on the ground.
If an object is vertical, it is up and down. A tree is vertical. Humans are vertical when they are standing up.
If an object is oblique, it is at an angle. It is not horizontal and it is not vertical.
Horizontal stripes (left), vertical stripes (middle), and oblique stripes (right)
Horizontal zebra stripes
Vertical zebra stripes
Oblique zebra stripes
The butterfly wings are horizontal (left), vertical (middle), and oblique (right)
The butterfly wings are horizontal (level with the ground)
The butterfly wings are vertical (straight up and down)
The butterfly wings are oblique (at an angle)
The giraffe neck is horizontal (left), vertical (middle), and oblique (right)
The giraffe neck is horizontal (parallel to the ground)
The giraffe neck is vertical (straight up and down)
The giraffe neck is oblique (at an angle)
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM