Boa Constrictor: Nature's Digestive Mystery in 'The Little Prince'

Have you ever pondered this intriguing fact from "The Little Prince" chapter I:

"Boa constrictors swallow their prey whole, without chewing it. After that they are not able to move, and they sleep through the six months that they need for digestion." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Here is the things:

Boa constrictors have a low feed conversion ratio (FCR), meaning they require less food to gain weight compared to other animals. This efficiency allows them to survive on larger meals infrequently.

= Slow Metabolism

Digestion Process: After swallowing their prey whole, boas enter a state of immobility as their bodies focus all energy on digestion. This process can take weeks or even months, during which they become vulnerable to predators.