2006-10-04 00:26:45 · 4 answers · asked by philip a 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
They never stop growing... that's why they are constantly shedding their skins. They outgrow the previous outer layer.
2006-10-04 00:37:36 · answer #1 · answered by J.D. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reptiles in general do not have what's known as "determinate growth". I.e., reptiles continue to grow until they die. Snakes are included in this group. As are dinosaurs!
The reason mammals stop growing is because the areas known as the "growth plates" in our long bones eventually close and are replaced by solid bone. Because mammals stop growing at some point, they have what is known as "determinate growth". An exception to this are rodents.
In reptiles (and I think also in fish and amphibians), this does not happen, and as a result these animals continue to grow. Thus, reptiles have what is known as "indeterminate growth" and continue to grow larger until they die.
Hope that helps!
2006-10-04 02:47:01 · answer #2 · answered by red_iguana27 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Snakes like all animals have a maximum size which is determined by their genes and environmental factors, for example, a carpet python may have a maximum length of 2.5 metres due to its genes but if resources are limited or if it is badly affected by parasites or disease (environment) its size will be restricted.
2006-10-04 00:36:50 · answer #3 · answered by gnypetoscincus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they die. They never stop growing
2006-10-04 00:36:36 · answer #4 · answered by dulcrayon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋