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First to post ...

We all know that chameleons can change colour according to the colour of its direct environment. So what colour does a chameleon become at night?

Chameleons turn a light-ish colour at night, they also reflect the light from a flashlight beam, thus are easier to spot at night than in the daytime.

Making you IT!

Thanks Imberbe!

The classification of the Black Mamba's venom is that if a human is bitten, it has a neurotoxic effect. Can this classification differ if an animal is bitten by the same snake? Please elucidate.

Off the cuff. Yes, I would think so.

Firstly, some venoms have more than one impact on the body. Some snakes are even classified in more than one venom classification. As such some organisms may be more susceptible to one effect than another.

Secondly, venom may have different effects on different organisms depending on their physiology.

Snake venom is essentially a specialised salivary excretion and the active component consists mainly of proteins and peptides. Every species of venomous snake usually carries several different active proteins in its venom, the principal effect of the venom may depend as much on the size and sensitivity of the victim as it does on the composition of the venom.

Thus the overriding symptom of Black Mamba envenomation in humans is neurotoxic, but the same venom may also have a pronounced cytotoxic effect on a Mamba's rodent prey.

Thanks Imberbe, you are IT!

We all know that rock pythons strangle their prey. Name another species of Southern African snake which has the same hunting strategy.

The Mole Snake pushes its way through soft sand in search of prey, and then constricts the head of its victim.

IT!

If you were unlucky enough to be bitten by a black mamba, what would be the most significant signs and symptoms of the bite as the venom took effect?

Difficulty to breathe, slurred speech, droopy eyelids, drowsy, but it can differ from person to person depending on various factors like body mass, health etc...

Absolutely Pilane. And body size and metabolism, as well as bite site, is very important as to how long you've got to live. You're IT.

Well done, Pilane!