Pythons 101 | National Geographic

Summary

Pythons, among the most terrifying and fascinating predators, use their immense size and constriction abilities to overpower prey. The reticulated python, the longest species, can grow up to 25 feet. Despite their evolution from lizards, with vestigial limbs known as spurs, pythons retain the genetic potential to grow fully functional legs. Their flexible jaws, made up of two bones connected by a ligament, allow them to consume prey several times wider than their head. While pythons are mostly docile in their natural habitats, invasive species like the Burmese python are wreaking havoc in places like Florida's Everglades, disrupting ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pythons are one of the most terrifying and fascinating predators on Earth.
• 😀 The reticulated python, native to Southeast Asia, can grow up to 25 feet long, making it one of the longest snakes in the world.
• 😀 Pythons kill their prey through constriction by squeezing tighter with every exhale of their prey, eventually causing death.
• 😀 Pythons have vestigial legs called spurs, which are remnants from their evolutionary history as lizards.
• 😀 Pythons retain the genetic mutation for growing limbs, suggesting they may be capable of growing functional legs in the future.
• 😀 Contrary to popular belief, pythons do not unhinge their jaws to swallow prey, but instead have highly flexible jaws supported by a multi-hinged joint.
• 😀 Pythons' lower jawbones are made of two bones connected by an elastic ligament, allowing them to stretch and consume prey up to three times their head size.
• 😀 Pythons have six rows of teeth and can use a unique cranial movement called cranial kinesis or pterygoid walk to drag prey into their throats.
• 😀 Python teeth are curved and extremely sharp, designed to catch and hold onto their prey effectively.
• 😀 Some python species, such as the Burmese python, have become invasive in areas like Florida's Everglades, where they threaten local wildlife and ecosystems.

Q & A

What is the average length of a reticulated python?

The reticulated python typically grows around 16 feet long.

What is the record length of the longest reticulated python?

The current record holder for the longest reticulated python measured at 25 feet.

How do pythons kill their prey?

Pythons kill their prey by constriction. They wrap around the prey, and with each exhalation, they squeeze more tightly, disrupting the prey's respiration and blood flow, leading to its death.

What are spurs in pythons, and what is their significance?

Spurs are small, vestigial limbs on the sides of a python's pelvis. They are remnants of the evolutionary link between pythons and their lizard ancestors.

How did pythons evolve from lizards?

Pythons evolved from lizards around 100 million years ago. An early ancestor of pythons, called tetrapodophis, had both lizard and snake-like features, including hind legs.

Can pythons grow fully functional legs?

Yes, scientists have discovered that pythons retain the genetic mutation for growing limbs, which means they may be capable of growing fully functional legs again.

Do pythons unhinge their jaws when eating?

No, pythons do not unhinge their jaws. Instead, they have a multi-hinged joint in their jaw, allowing them to stretch their jaws to swallow prey larger than their head.

What is cranial kinesis, and how does it help pythons feed?

Cranial kinesis is the independent movement of the skull bones, including teeth. This allows pythons to 'walk' their skull over prey and drag it into their throats without using limbs.

How do pythons' lower jawbones contribute to their feeding abilities?

Pythons' lower jawbones are made of two bones linked by an elastic ligament, allowing them to stretch their jaws wide to consume prey that is several times larger than their head.

What impact have invasive pythons had on ecosystems like Florida's Everglades?

Invasive Burmese pythons in Florida's Everglades pose a significant threat to local wildlife, including native animals, other pets, and even children, as they kill and consume large prey.

Are pythons dangerous to humans?

Pythons are generally docile in their natural habitats. However, when kept as pets or when humans encroach on their space, they can pose a danger, especially in areas where they have become invasive.