The difference is that such things are controlled by more than a single gene. In breeding reptile "morphs", we deal with pretty much exclusively single-gene visual mutations that affect color and pattern.
Ah, let me clarify. I worded it incorrectly.
Do we know the actual lineage for the giant gene? After all, ball pythons could randomly grow to large sizes. A lot of things affect size, like feeding and general health.
Last edited by omnibus2; 10-06-2009 at 02:07 AM.
For every 15-foot python out in the Everglades, there are thousands of species of clams, trees, cats, grasses and birds that are wrecking just as much havoc across the globe. So, for all the headaches the snakes are causing, I at least applaud them for being scary enough to get people's attention.