[neilep (OP)]

These are snake eggs !


CornSnakeEggs001.JPG (66.9 kB . 504x378 - viewed 151236 times)

and this is a baby snake !!


BabyRingnecksnake.jpg (16.87 kB . 288x259 - viewed 84634 times)

Cute little tyke eh ?


How come some snakes lay eggs and others give birth directly to baby snakes ?

Are there other animals that have this birthing distinction too ?

Thanksssssssssssssssssssssssss !!

[Robinson]

Snakes can reproduce in many ways... but all snakes use internal fertilization. As you noted some snakes lay eggs and leave them so they hatch on their own, some retain the eggs within them, and some give birth to live snakes. Those that give birth are really unusual because that kind of reproduction is typically only found in the placental mammals. It's thought that the type of reproduction is based on the environments - so generally eggs outside and live birth occur in cold environments and retention of the eggs inside are found in hotter environments. One snake can reproduce without mating.... check it out here: newbielink:http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761578341_3/Snake_(reptile).html [nonactive].

[DoctorBeaver]

Does potential predation come into it at all?

[neilep (OP)]

Snakes can reproduce in many ways... but all snakes use internal fertilization. As you noted some snakes lay eggs and leave them so they hatch on their own, some retain the eggs within them, and some give birth to live snakes. Those that give birth are really unusual because that kind of reproduction is typically only found in the placental mammals. It's thought that the type of reproduction is based on the environments - so generally eggs outside and live birth occur in cold environments and retention of the eggs inside are found in hotter environments. One snake can reproduce without mating.... check it out here: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761578341_3/Snake_(reptile).html.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH Robinson and a warm welcome to the site.

WOW !!.....wonderful information and extraordinary info about the self reproducing snake !..the flowerpot blind snake !..how on earth does a single sex animal evolve to be come so I wonder !....?

[Monox D. I-Fly]

I wonder if whether a snake lays egg or gives birth indicates its venomous status. It will make distinguishing them a bit more convenient.

[chris]

Not that I am aware of.