Accidentally already posted this in main forum instead of under this, but I'll copy/paste and provide a link as well.

Other Post: http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=993330,993330

Like the subject post says, 99% probability of it being caused something genetic, but as to whether it is genetically inheritable is another question, that can only be answered by breeding it out attempting to prove it.

In almost all probability in fact any thing that has a different look than the "Normal" phenotype is caused by some mutant change in the genetics of the subject being studied. The thing is this, is it a local genetic mutation(see: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=mosaic chimera) or was it propagated from conception, meaning all/most cells carry the mutant gene, and thus inheritable?

Also, another phenomenon that is likely is much like "sporting" within plants(see: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/tisscult/chimeras/chimeralec/chimeras.html)
where mitosis(see: http://www.cellsalive.com/mitosis.htm)is occurring. Every time that a cell splits to form two new cells, there is a chance that during dna replication that errors will occur, producing a new mutant gene, and this is closely related to genetic mosaics. Problem with this type of mutant gene, is that unless it occurs near the reproductive organs, none of the haploids being produced will carry this gene, making it non inheritable for the progeny, except in cases where asexual reproduction is applicable, such as in plants where you can take a cutting. An example in the Ball python world that I think will prove to be like this will be ringers, pieds, and most certainly the paradox animals.

Also another condition would be cases that are situationally expressed, due to a variance in the environment/food/expression of genes. The unproven morph "IMG- Increasing Melanin Gene" is one that I think might be one like this, where an environmental factor(whether problems during incubation, lack of essential nutrients, etc) causes a visible expression of the gene. Trying to prove genetically something such as this would be very difficult, not only trying to hit the odds of getting the right combination of genes but also trying to find the deciding factor that results in said morph.

Anyways, I think I carried on long enough, if anyone else has any comments or questions, or wants to argue the above useless drivel feel free to leave me a message.

-Dan

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