Editing Burmese python (section)

==Behavior==
Burmese pythons are mainly [[nocturnal]] [[rainforest]] dwellers.<ref name="Burmese Python">{{cite web|url=http://digimorph.org/specimens/Python_molurus/|title=''Python molurus'', Burmese Python|access-date=2007-07-25 |publisher=Digital Morphology|year=2003| vauthors = Evans S |work=The deep Scaly Project}}</ref> When young, they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth, they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers, being able to stay submerged for up to half an hour. Burmese pythons spend the majority of their time hidden in the underbrush. In the northern parts of its range, the Burmese python may [[brumate]] for some months during the cold season in a hollow tree, a hole in the riverbank, or under rocks. Brumation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingsnake.com/artickes/glossary.html|title=Glossary of reptile and amphibian terminology|website=Kingsnake.com|access-date=8 April 2019}}{{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> is biologically distinct from hibernation. While the behavior has similar benefits, allowing organisms to endure the winter without moving, it also involves the preparation of both male and female reproductive organs for the upcoming breeding season. The Florida population also goes through brumation.<ref name="Ohio-State-Science-Bites">{{Cite book |chapter-url=http://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/sciencebitesvolume2/chapter/1-4-invasive-species-burmese-python-python-bivittatus-and-its-effect-in-florida/ |chapter=1.4 Invasive species Burmese python (''Python bivittatus'') and its effect in Florida|publisher=The Ohio State University |last=Krusling |first=Lindsey A. |editor-last1=Shaul |editor-first1=Travis R. |editor-last2=Shaul |editor-first2=Kylienne A. |editor-last3=Weaver |editor-first3=Ella M. |title=Environmental ScienceBites |volume=2}}</ref>

They tend to be solitary and are usually found in pairs only when mating. Burmese pythons breed in the early spring, with females laying clutches of 12&ndash;36 eggs in March or April. They remain with the eggs until they hatch, wrapping around them and twitching their muscles in such a way as to raise the ambient temperature around the eggs by several degrees. Once the hatchlings use their [[egg tooth]] to cut their way out of their eggs, no further maternal care is given. The newly hatched babies often remain inside their eggs until they are ready to complete their first shedding of skin, after which they hunt for their first meal.<ref>{{cite web|vauthors=Ghosh A|title=Burmese Python|date=11 July 2012 |url=http://www.animalspot.net/burmese-python.html|publisher=AnimalSpot.net|access-date=27 December 2012}}</ref>

===Parthenogenesis===
The Burmese python is able to [[asexual reproduction|reproduce asexually]] when in captivity.<ref name = Groot2003>Groot TV, Bruins E, Breeuwer JA. Molecular genetic evidence for parthenogenesis in the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus. Heredity (Edinb). 2003 Feb;90(2):130-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.hdy.6800210. PMID 12634818</ref> Offspring are clones of their mother and reproduction appears to be by a [[parthenogenesis|parthenogenetic mechanism]] that involves a modification of the [[meiosis|meiotic process]].<ref name = Groot2003/>