The graph is from a paper about pythons Use this graph to an

The graph is from a paper about pythons. Use this graph to answer the question.

If you wanted to measure the standard metabolic rate of a python, approximately how long would you need to wait after it had eaten a meal? ?Snakes are ectothermic and therefore primarily rely on environmental sources of heat. However, this does not mean that they do not make heat. During the metabolic peak would the snake’s body temperature change and if so, how? ?

400 300 200 100 72 Pre 216 144 72 Post-feeding time (h) O I A RV A 288 360

Solution

For the measurement of standard metabolic rate of a python as per the graph above we will need to wait for 96 hours. The metabolic peak is achieved at about 72 hours.

Snakes actively adjust to thermoregulatory behaviour to raise their body temperature during digestion, exhibiting post-prandial thermophilic response that accelerates digestion at the expense of higher metabolic rates.Digestion significantly increases the body temperature.