Why don't snakes have to eat as much as a mammal of the same size?

Question

Group of answer choices

Snakes have high assimilation efficiency compared to mammals.

Snakes don't need to expend as much energy in thermoregulation as do mammals.

Snakes eat lower on the food chain than mammals.

All of the above answers are correct.

Snakes are very efficient at finding prey, compared to mammals.

Answer 1

The correct choice is All of the above answers are correct.

Snakes have several physiological and ecological advantages that allow them to require less food compared to mammals of the same size:

1. High Assimilation Efficiency: Snakes are able to extract a higher proportion of nutrients from their food compared to mammals.

2. Energy Expenditure: Snakes, being ectothermic (cold-blooded), do not need to expend as much energy on thermoregulation as warm-blooded mammals do. This means they can survive on less food.

3. Position in the Food Chain: Many snakes may eat prey that is lower on the food chain, which can lead to a reduced overall energy requirement.

4. Efficiency in Prey Finding: Snakes have developed specialized hunting and ambush techniques, which can make them more efficient in finding and capturing prey.

Overall, these factors collectively contribute to why snakes do not have to eat as much as mammals of the same size.