Figure 4.7 The plasticity of a python. (a) A Burmese python can consume large prey, but may do so only once a month. (b) A fasting animal has a shrunken intestine. (c) Within two days after eating, the intestine doubles in length and swells in diameter. (d) Ten days later, digestion is complete and the intestine shrinks again.
Photos by (a) Bryan Rourke, California State University; (b through d) Reproduced/adapted with permission Secor S M J Exp Biol 2008; 211: 3767–3774 © 2008 by The Company of Biologists Ltd.