30 Years of Reptiles - First Boa - Page 4

Mikoh4792 · 06-19-15, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychocircus

If growth is continuous for 15+ years it would be so negligible that it isn't significant. While the stories say continued growth, the tape measures do not.

+1

How much growth do we see.. is it enough to even matter?

eminart · 06-19-15, 05:59 AM

I don't think it's a huge deal either way. We know snakes don't grow a LOT once they reach maturity. But, I thought it was a generally accepted fact that reptiles can and often do grow thoughout their lives, however little it may be. All of the articles I've read, including the peer-reviewed one I linked above, seem to be under the same impression.

Snakesitter · 06-19-15, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eminart

I don't think it's a huge deal either way. We know snakes don't grow a LOT once they reach maturity. But, I thought it was a generally accepted fact that reptiles can and often do grow thoughout their lives, however little it may be. All of the articles I've read, including the peer-reviewed one I linked above, seem to be under the same impression.

+1 this was my understanding as well. I know, for example, it's certainly true of my waistline. ;-)

toddnbecka · 06-20-15, 02:05 AM

It seems to me that the snake must be growing if it's still shedding skin. otherwise what would be the purpose? A snake that hasn't eaten for weeks or even months will continue to shed regularly. It may lose some mass converting stored fat to energy but still grows longer, even if not significantly.

bigsnakegirl785 · 06-20-15, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychocircus

I believe growth can be continuous for around a decade (and again a very slowed rate). There have also been several cases of underfed animals growing significant amounts several years into their lifespans. If growth is continuous for 15+ years it would be so negligible that it isn't significant. While the stories say continued growth, the tape measures do not.

Note, I used the word believe. IME there isn't much scientific information regarding the topic.

That's where my theory that they grow to pre-determined lengths come from. If they're set to grow to a certain length, they will reach it as fast as their food supply allows them to.

What my point more lies towards is measurable growth. Growth that can be measured in centimeters or millimeters or inches, etc. over years, I'm not really worried about micrometers or anything like that. Every living thing my knowledge can grow in micrometers, it's a by-product of replacing tissue.