Snakes eat own hearts

Discussion in 'Earth Science' started by Orleander, Aug 21, 2007.

  1. Orleander OH JOY!!!! Valued Senior Member

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    I think I find it more unbelievable that they can go without food for 2 years. Seriously, how bad of a hunter do you have to be, to not be able to catch anything in 2 years??

    Aug. 20, 2007 — Certain snakes can survive without food for two years at a time, but not without paying a physical price, according to a new study that found some snake species will actually digest their own hearts and grow bigger heads to broaden prey options during periods of famine.

    The study, which will be published in next month's issue of Zoology, is the first ever to examine starvation physiology in snakes.

    ...Measurements revealed the snakes actually grew longer during the fast. Growth especially was noticed in the head.

    "Larger head bones mean that they can choose from a wider range of potential prey items," he said, noting that snakes cannot chew and therefore must be able to swallow whole animals.

    The chemical analysis determined the snakes break down saturated fatty acids into polyunsaturated fats by "picking off bits of hydrogen for energy."

    Intestinal fat, which he likened to "belly fat" in humans, as well as fatty liver tissues were among the first to be targeted. As a byproduct, water formed in the snakes' bodies, causing them to "bloat" by around 7 percent. Then the snakes would digest their own heart muscle.

    The heart breakdown initially surprised McCue, but he said it is reasonable given that "the lower energy expenditure allows lower circulatory demands, and therefore permits the heart organ to shrink."

    Immediately following a nutritious meal, the snake hearts can quickly rebuild themselves.

    Aaron Rundus, a University of Nebraska researcher who has also studied snakes, said he was surprised to learn snakes can survive without eating for up to two years, but, "I completely believe it, and the physiological mechanisms make sense given how successful these reptiles are at surviving under the worst of conditions."

    Rundus explained to Discovery News that snakes are "ambush hunters," as opposed to "strategists," so they must wait for incredibly long periods before an unsuspecting victim may cross their paths.

    McCue hopes future studies on snake starvation will lead to treatments that can increase food deprivation tolerance in other animals, including humans.
     
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  3. DarkTang Registered Member

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    where did u get this from? wut magazine

    cuz that seems really interesting
     
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  5. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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    Cool find.
     
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  7. EmptyForceOfChi Banned Banned

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    zoology.

    peace.
     
  8. Orleander OH JOY!!!! Valued Senior Member

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    Discovery channel. The link is the underlined section in the first sentence.
     
  9. Fraggle Rocker Staff Member

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    That's the benefit of an exothermic (cold-blooded) metabolism. Very low energy requirements. Basically, they go into a state of alert hibernation.
    Seriously, how good of a hunter can you be with no feet?

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  10. temur man of no words Registered Senior Member

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    Why did snakes lose their feet?
     
  11. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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    God cursed the snakes remember ?

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    From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake#Evolution
    Which leaves the question: How did they burrow without legs ? Maybe they took over rodent burrows like some of todays snakes do ? :shrug:
    If I didn't know any better I'd guess snakes evolved in the water. If you look at todays sea snakes and freshwater snakes you'll see that they are supremely adapted to aquatic life.
     
  12. Atom Registered Senior Member

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    Gives a whole new meaning to 'Eat out yer Heart!'
     
  13. Atom Registered Senior Member

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    << If you look at todays sea snakes and freshwater snakes you'll see that they are supremely adapted to aquatic life. >>

    Yup..theyre called "eels".
     

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