News Animals

Shortcut to Big Heart: Pythons build cardiac muscle in record time

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

A Burmese python can boost its heart capacity without working out. When it needs extra pump power to digest something big, its heart can bulk up 40 percent in just 2 days.

WAITING FOR DINNER. This Burmese python, 6 feet long, will remodel its internal organs temporarily to aid digestion.