Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Karen W. on 16/08/2007 17:06:30

Title: Borrowing Neils Snake Picture! A Question about color and shedding?
Post by: Karen W. on 16/08/2007 17:06:30

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcache.eb.com%2Feb%2Fimage%3Fid%3D66413%26amp%3BrendTypeId%3D4&hash=794c59a74c111f1fefa9af52cff66ae5)


As Neil's picture shows Snakes shed.  If one takes note of the brilliant brightness of the actual snake after he has left his skin, Why is the skin he left cream kind of cream colored and without the snakes real colors. Do they have a clear layer of skin which grows atop the real colors? I do not understand. As humans the skin that peels away is generally light colored I would assume everyones peely skin would be different according to their own skin pigmentation. Is this correct or is the pigmentation just under the surface and when we shed like the snake or after a sun burn, is it always tan? If So Why..?

Title: Borrowing Neils Snake Picture! A Question about color and shedding?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 19/08/2007 11:15:31

Not being a herpetologist, I'm not really sure; but I would imagine it's due to the shed skin being dead & dry. Probably, that means there is less pigment than in live, healthy skin.

Title: Borrowing Neils Snake Picture! A Question about color and shedding?
Post by: Karen W. on 19/08/2007 19:06:32

Hummmm That is interesting!

Title: Borrowing Neils Snake Picture! A Question about color and shedding?
Post by: Karen W. on 19/08/2007 19:08:07

It obviously leaves a print, or design.. but I see no color!