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RE: fumblefingers - Re: off-topic tiger snakes
Tigers do need all that toxicity.
1. Notechis spp. do take comparatively large, active prey if available
(seabirds, ducklings, rodents) although prey preference varies among different
populations/subspecies (mainland pops. taking a greater proportion of
frogs/peninsular and insular pops. taking more warm blooded prey).
2. Tigers are cool-temperate snakes that are preferentially active in cold
temperatures (generally become nocturnal during summer). As a poikilotherm in
such conditions, they cannot afford to engage in an extended struggle.
Dunno if any research has been done on toxin resistance of their frog prey.
________________________________
From: owner-DINOSAUR@usc.edu on behalf of B tH
Sent: Thu 17/09/2009 8:29 PM
To: dinosaur@usc.edu
Subject: fumblefingers - Re: off-topic tiger snakes
The tiger snake is one of the most venomous snakes of all, correct? Yet from
what has been said of their diet, it hardly seems necessary for them to be so
toxic. Any speculation on why they evolved in such a MANNER, or has their diet
only (relatively) recently changed?
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