Accurite and Smart Snakes?

No worries Connie... I'm just glad we got that all worked out. <3 :)

I think the coolest thing in this discussion is about the brain anatomy and function of reptiles. Are they smart? What is smart? Can they learn? Do they have memory? Looking to our own R-Complex anatomy, it appears that OCD, PTSD, and Panic Disorder are all centered in the R-Complex anatomical region of the basal ganglia, and all the three parts (caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus) appear to be implicated in varying degrees (sorry, it's my career!)
Also, the cerebellum orchestrates movement, while the brain stem is the center for digestion, reproduction, circulation, breathing, and the execution of the "fight or flight" response in stress. Because the reptilian brain is primarily concerned with physical survival, the behaviors it governs have much in common with the survival behaviors of animals. It plays a crucial role in establishing home territory, reproduction and social dominance. The overriding characteristics of R-complex behaviors are that they are automatic, have a ritualistic quality, and are highly resistant to change.
So, when Connie says that her snakes "know" when feeding day is, I understand that to mean that due to the consistent and ritualized nature of Connie's feeding schedule, the snakes have picked up on that and have internalized it and are happy with it.
Are they too dumb to thermoregulate? No. Intelligence has really nothing to do with reptiles and an understanding of our current understanding of the R-Complex portion of our brain goes a long ways toward explaining the behaviors of our snakes. Much of what the established members on this forum suggest to new members of this forum exploit the natural functions of the snake for the benefit of the snake and for the ease of the herper.
This is about as clear as mud....huh?!

LOL Starmom! I like the post, it stimulates thoughts that I thought I would never associate with a BP.

I must say in my experience that snakes do have some sort of memory though, which is maybe brought on by some sort of a routine (like in Connies instance with her feeding schedule). But ones of the weirdest things that I've noticed is that when my wife holds our large pastel male he seems to latch onto her and not want to let go, where when I hold him he seems alot more relaxed and likes to explore more. Do you think that has something to do with his like or dislike of males and females? Or just that he remembers my smells and touch and prefers me over her? Food for thought anyway.

-Matt

Oh and I thought I might add... CONNIES A STALKER!!! :P:P:P j/k!