why albinos? - Page 2

sweet · 06-16-04, 12:55 PM

so the red you see in albino snakes is another pigment besides melanin? im not trying to start arguments, i like to ask questions because i think knowledge is great. i do know that melanin is what helps you see and without it can cause problems.

lostwithin · 06-16-04, 01:18 PM

Yes, there are different color pigments in the body, melanin is the black/brown and most common, it would depend on the species but each can have several color pigments. As well as other adaptations that cause color change, here is a good site for you.

http://www.hiltonpond.org/ArticleAnimalColorsMain.html

Devon

Jeff_Favelle · 06-16-04, 07:06 PM

Red is controlled by erythins. Hence, an anerythristic snake, is also known as a "black albino". No red.

Quote:

Now in a nocturnal species would the albinos Hypersensitivity not be an advantage too have in a low light environment??

That's a GREAT question. If we only knew a cool-a$$ PhD student who could study it for us. That would be a fascinating read as far as I'm concerned! Good one!

sweet · 06-16-04, 07:14 PM

im an eye dr. (optometrist), thats why i brought up the subject

Optimus Prime · 06-17-04, 04:18 PM

I wish I could use the force like that Jeff

MouseKilla · 06-17-04, 06:35 PM

I think the question was, "why albinos?".

Well it's really quite simple, people like them.

It doesn't matter why, all you need to know is that people will pay for them and so others will produce them and will continue to until it doesn't make money. What's hard to understand there?

jason_southFL · 06-17-04, 10:43 PM

well i guess it's good that snakes use their tongue as their main sensory organ.

jjnnbns · 06-18-04, 08:58 AM

I guess that my answer to albions is:

THEY'RE BEAUTIFUL!!!

(The funny thing is that I used to think that "white" snakes were unattractive. This was due to L. Texas rat snakes and snow corns. I found them very neat looking, but not what I'd want to own. I thought that it was the color thing, but after acquiring my corn and then boas and pythons, I realized the it is the head structure that I was not as impressed with. The albino boas that I've seen were quite spectacular looking!)

Whew! Quite a little tangent there, sorry!

Brent Strande