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Feb. 26, 2005 In the world of zoology, at least among the uninitiated, "snakes" evokes immediate fear and loathing among many otherwise rational people. Snakes evolved from lizards. It's reasonable to conjecture that global disasters (such as the assumed "big chill" that decimated the dinosaurs 65 million years ago) forced several species of lizards underground. Limbs were useless; their eyes had to be protected, and external ears only invited dirt and parasites. When they emerged eons later, some of them had metamorphosed into snakes. None of them were venomous then; the poisonous species came much later. In fact, the most "modern" snakes are also among the most venomous; the "older" reptiles-- boa constrictors, anacondas and pythons are among these species--depend upon their size and strength to capture and suffocate their prey. Vipers such as rattlesnakes--the Eastern Diamondback is a prime example--are among the most advanced of serpents...and the deadliest. Late last year, news from Indonesia reported that a 40-foot Reticulated python had been captured in Sumatra and later transported to Java, to be displayed in a small zoo. Later news downsized the animal to about 24 feet, which is still a respectable size for any serpent. It was fed a dog per week. Needless to say, news of such an immense snake had zoologists, particularly herpetologists (such as this writer), quivering with excitement. The Reticulated python is considered to be the longest of all constrictors, followed by the anaconda, perhaps not as long but usually heavier. Recent thrill-films such as "Anaconda" and "Python", "Python II" were made by people with absolutely no knowledge of, or regard for the facts: The anaconda cannot swim very fast and it's highly unlikely that even a 30-footer could swallow a full-grown man, although smaller men, usually Natives, have occasionally been consumed. The two "Python" films are unworthy of mention. Of the hundreds of species of snakes worldwide, only a small percentage are venomous; in the U.S., there are rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins and, smallest but perhaps the deadliest, the coral snake, the latter's venom similar to the cobra's. Throughout the world's habitats, only Australia may claim more than its share of poisonous reptiles--all except a few species of constrictors are equipped with highly toxic venom. Of all these, the taipan is considered the deadliest. Found only in Australia and parts of New Guinea, this snake, which may attain lengths of ten feet, is highly aggressive. In the world's tropical oceans, a variety of sea snakes breed, feed and roam. Although all are venomous--some as toxic as any cobra, to which they are related--none of them appear to be aggressive towards swimmers. As swift as eels in the water, their muscles do not permit them to travel well, if at all, on land; certain species can be picked up at their mid-section and safely carried. ------------ About the author Charles K. Bush: Am a former Marine (Korean War), majored in zoology & creative writing, worked my up from cook to captain in the Merchant Marine over 20 years, lived outside US over 15 yrs., traveled and lived in many foreign countries, including Southeast Asia, where I researched for one of my novels, MING JADE, an action-adventure story set in Sumatra & the South China Sea. The "heroine" of MING JADE is a 10-meter Reticulated python of the same name. I've self-published 100 copies but am seeking an agent to properly market it. http://www.peganet.com Email: editcon@peganet.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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