RCReptiles.com

[RonCrawford]

Just curious to know your thoughts about this.

[Cryptly]

I don't know. . . :?

Now I'm curious about this. They obviously don't need venom for defense. Their size, coloring and patterns allow them to hide from predators really well (along with being nocturnal). But, what caused them to evolve to constrict prey, rather than develop venom glands (BPs as well as other constrictors)?

I must know the answer to this now. . .

[lindsey_marshall00]

because the all mighty did not want it to be that is why

[Moshi]

I think a better question would be "how did other snakes evolve to get vemon glands?" They are the abnormal ones!

[deborahbroadus]

Venomous snakes use their poison as a way to capture their prey. This is their method of killing. Since most venomous snakes make sound, they do not have a lot of time to sneak up on their prey...thus they must strike fast and hard if they are to survive. They are also not constrictors.

Balls, on the other hand, are extremely well adapted to capturing and killing prey. Balls constrict. They are soundless killers, and their coloring helps them blend in with their surroundings all they need do is wait and the prey comes to them. Thus, they do not need a more efficent way of killing to survive.

Evolution is the means by which animals/reptiles adapt to survive in their environment. Balls are already extremely suited for their environments.

[slitheringin]

Ah, but Deb, the venomoids that make sound most oftenmake the sound only when threatened. It is a defense mechanism. They don't make noise before they strike. There are many venomoids that make no sound at all, silently sneaking up on their victims, e.g. most of the Australian snakes.

The venom is used as an immobilizer and also as a pre-digest aid. Since the venomoids don't constrict, they strike and wait until the prey has stopped moving and then begin to feed. The prey is not necessarily dead by the time the snake begins eating. The venom can be hemotoxic, neurotoxic, or both. Also, by the time the snake feeds, the venom has already started the digestive process.

The constrictors, however, have adapted to actually kill their prey before eating. Perhaps the difference lies in the way the food is assimilated.

[deborahbroadus]

[slitheringin]

But I have too Much time to think. That's my problem BTW, I wasn't showing off, I was just hyped up on coffee and really got into the subject. I was rambling.

[deborahbroadus]

[slitheringin]

I'm listening; start telling

[deborahbroadus]

[slitheringin]

Got It

I knew I was missing something

Thanks

[deborahbroadus]