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Field Study Suggestions?
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by PatrickV on April 5, 2001
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I have to do an extensive research paper or a field study paper for my herpetology class. I would probably rather do the field study than spend my weekends in the library for 4 weeks surfing scientific journals. I have pretty much decided I'd like to do my paper on C.v. oreganus but I am stumped on what aspect. I am fascinated by rattlesnakes and oreganus is the most accessible to me. I have a few ideas but they seem too dificult to implement such as comparing venom composition of different populations or seeing if populations in areas with resistant prey are adapting their venom differently. I could set this study up fairly well but have no idea how I'd analyze the venom components and it seems like a little big of an endeavor. anyone have suggestions? I'm in the brain storming period now because it's due in june.
patrick
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RE: Field Study Suggestions?
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by Klaus on April 6, 2001
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Hi. Venom comparison's a tough business. Have you thought about studying the venom quantity ejected with a bite? One might use a rubber ball attached to a stick. Weigh the rubber ball accurately, then provoke a defense bite, wipe off the outside of the ball (to prevent weighing saliva and residual, non-injected venom), and weigh the rubber ball again. The weighings must be precise to the mg (approx. a thousands of a milliliter) and should then give you a fairly good idea about the amount of venom injected. One should, of course, determine the size and weight of the snake as well to correlate the venom quantity to the snake's size. Depending on enthusiasm, density of snake population etc., one might attempt to study other parameters, like for instance the difference in ejected venom quantity depending on whether the animal was fixated (loosely of course, to avoid hurting it) in order to simulate panic bites following an accidental step-on, or had the chance to retreat. One might also examine how the venom quantity changes after repeated bites. Needless to say, such studies require care, focus, respect and a good preparation.
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