User:Aladak5

Wikipedia Article Selections
1) Fetal Hypoxia (intrauterine hypoxia): On the Wikipedia webpage regarding fetal hypoxia, only a broad definition, the causes and financial costs are listed. I believe it would be worthwhile to explain some of the possible mechanisms in which organisms may use to combat hypoxia (the use of hypoxia inducible factors). Furthermore, I would wish to include some of the possible problems that can arise when a fetus is exposed to a high degree of hypoxia (the effect on the brain, heart etc.) Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrauterine_hypoxia

2) Torpor: Hardly any information is covered on this wikipedia page other then a general definition. I would hope to add the mechanism in which how animals achieve torpor, and how it may be different among various species. Furthemore I would also like to explain the benefits of why animals may choose torpor over long term hibernation. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpor

3) Burmese Python Digestion: Digestion in snakes is an extremely interesting topic. On the wikipedia page, only a small fraction is dedicated to this. I would hope to add a more in depth view of snake digestion, as well as some of the physiological changes which allow these species to go on for months without eating, and when they do it, how it is all efficiently digested. Furthermore, I read this article in which a new cell type in the small intestine of pythons which is responsible for the degradation of bone, helping them extract high amounts of calcium from their prey, was recently found. I believe this would be an interesting addition to the page and for readers. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese_Python.

Burmese Python Edits
Article to review: Burmese Pythons

The current Wikipedia page on Burmese Pythons provides good background information on these snakes as well as their habitats and behavior. However, this page is lacking some crucial information regarding the snakes’ digestive system. Due to the Burmese Pythons numerous physiological responses to feeding, it is regarded as one of the most attractive models for examining the regulatory mechanisms behind digestive physiology. Therefore, it is extremely important to venture further into the mechanisms which facilitate snake digestion.

Three key references which I would cite to support my explanation include the following:

Secor S.M (2008) .

This article discusses the physiological response of the Burmese Python after consuming a meal. It also deals with the responses of major organs in both the fast and fed state.


 * When in a fasted state, the activity levels of major organs are reduced. This is also followed by a reduction in mass of the heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys.
 * When a meal is caught, the act of ingestion signals the gut tissues to start secreting digestive enzymes. This leads to the up regulation of the intestinal brush-border enzymes and transporters. This is followed by an increase in the mass and function of the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.
 * Digestion in the Burmese python is extremely expensive. This is demonstrated by a 44-fold increase in metabolic rate. This increase in metabolic rate accounts for as much as 37% of the total energy received from the meal.
 * HCl production drops luminal pH from 7 to 2 within 24 hours. Concurrently with the release of pepsin, these aid in the break down of the soft tissues and skeleton of the prey. By day 3 of digestion, only 25% of the ingested meal remains while after day 6 digestion is complete.
 * Digestion in the Burmese python is extremely expensive. This is demonstrated by a 44-fold increase in metabolic rate. This increase in metabolic rate accounts for as much as 37% of the total energy received from the meal.
 * HCl production drops luminal pH from 7 to 2 within 24 hours. Concurrently with the release of pepsin, these aid in the break down of the soft tissues and skeleton of the prey. By day 3 of digestion, only 25% of the ingested meal remains while after day 6 digestion is complete.
 * HCl production drops luminal pH from 7 to 2 within 24 hours. Concurrently with the release of pepsin, these aid in the break down of the soft tissues and skeleton of the prey. By day 3 of digestion, only 25% of the ingested meal remains while after day 6 digestion is complete.

Secor and Diamond (1995).

This article provides valuable background on the predation and foraging style used by the Burmese Python.


 * The Burmese Python employs a sit and wait tactic during predation. This method is beneficial as it not only requires a minimal rate of energy intake, but also requires minute foraging costs. Due to these adaptations, the Burmese Python has been recorded to go on for months without eating (has been recorded to fast for almost 18 months).
 * When they eat, they can consume meals equivalent to 50%-160% of their total body weight.

Starck and Beese (2001).

This article provides valuable information on the Burmese Pythons response during the fasting state. It thoroughly explains the physiological responses that occur.


 * Following the complete digestion of a meal, the snake’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract becomes inactive.
 * During this inactive state, both the function and structure of the GI tract are down regulated. The stomach does not produce acid and secretion from the gall bladder and pancreas cease.
 * During this state, the down regulation of the intestinal nutrient transporters and digestive enzymes is also seen.