This is our Mike Falcon Hypo male from 02
We have the idea that he is T+ with the red eyes and solid orange tounge.
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Mike Falcon Hypo
Adam Willich
Nov 01, 2003 04:05 PM
Replies (5)
chrish
Nov 03, 2003 09:51 AM
T implies that the snake has a functional tyrosinase gene and can therefore produce melanin. A hypo has black pigment and therefore must be T .
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Chris Harrison
...he was beginning to realize he was the creature of a god that appreciated the discomfort of his worshippers - W. Somerset Maugham
chrish
Nov 03, 2003 09:53 AM
>>T positive implies that the snake has a functional tyrosinase gene and can therefore produce melanin. A hypo has black pigment and therefore must be T positive.
-----
Chris Harrison
...he was beginning to realize he was the creature of a god that appreciated the discomfort of his worshippers - W. Somerset Maugham
JakeM
Nov 03, 2003 08:15 PM
The term "T positive" is short for T positive albino. Adam meant tyrosinase positive albino--not that they simply had functioning tyrosinase.
Jake
Paul Hollander
Nov 05, 2003 06:03 PM
because it is focussing on something that is normal (the tyrosinase enzyme) and not focussing on what is causing the abnormality. It's like saying that oranges, peaches, and yellow tomatoes are the same because they aren't yellow apples.
Paul Hollander
JakeM
Nov 06, 2003 08:22 PM
While the term doesn't focus on what's causing the albinism, it does differentiate this form from the more common amelanistic specimens that do lack tyrosinase. So, in this case, I do think that the term has a purpose. Also, I don't think it's very likely that anyone in the near future is going to do any research on the biochemistry of amelanistic snakes. So, we probably aren't going to have a "real" name for them anytime soon.
Jake
