Two-headed viper found in Denmark

  • Thread starter Thread starter arildno
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of two-headed snakes, specifically referencing a recent discovery in Denmark. Participants explore the reasons behind the occurrence of such mutations, comparing them to other genetic anomalies like polydactylism in cats.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the frequency of two-headed snakes, questioning why they seem to be common.
  • Others suggest that two-headedness may be a result of common mutations, contrasting it with polydactylism in cats, which is inherited.
  • A participant humorously connects the topic to sailors' beliefs about good luck associated with unusual animals.
  • One participant points out that two-headed snakes are actually very rare, challenging the notion of their commonality.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of two-headedness on the survival and breeding of snakes, suggesting it may negatively impact their mortality rates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the commonality of two-headed snakes, with some suggesting they are common mutations while others assert they are rare. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the reasons for their occurrence and implications for survival.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions about genetic traits and the impact of mutations on survival without fully resolving these points. The discussion includes anecdotal connections to historical beliefs about animals and their perceived luck.

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Snake!
 


Evo said:
Snake!

Badgers badgers badgers badgers badgers badgers badgers badgers
 


Evo said:
Snake!
What? No mushroom? I reserve the right to dance haka.
 


I wonder why two-headed snakes are so common?
 


lisab said:
I wonder why two-headed snakes are so common?

Same reason polydactic cats are common.
 


DaveC426913 said:
Same reason polydactic cats are common.

Because sailors believed they brought good luck?

:-p
 


lisab said:
Because sailors believed they brought good luck?

:-p
Old-time sailors would keep ferrets. Even if the ferrets were unable to chase down and kill all the rats, they were able to infiltrated all the cargo, and drive the rats out in the open, where hopefully the cats could kill them. There was an old pulp mill on the Sebasticook river that kept ferrets. The ferrets did the dirty work, and cats and rat terriers took care of the clean-up.
 


lisab said:
I wonder why two-headed snakes are so common?
Actually, they are very rare...
 
  • #10


lisab said:
Because sailors believed they brought good luck?

:-p

:biggrin:

Right.

I meant because they are common mutations.

I suppose it's not quite the same. Polydactylism in cats would be passed from generation to generation. I suspect that two-headedness in snakes is not a likewise inherited trait since I imagine it has a dramatic impact on mortality before the snake can breed.
 

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