What is the primary prey difference reflecting the ontogenetic diet shift in *B. jararaca*?
Answer
Juveniles favor frogs (ectothermic) while adults overwhelmingly target small mammals (endothermic).
The ecological roles between juvenile and adult *B. jararaca* are marked by a significant ontogenetic shift in diet. The younger snakes primarily consume ectothermic prey, showing a strong reliance on frogs, which can constitute approximately 75% of their dietary intake, supplemented by various arthropods. As these snakes mature, their dietary preference undergoes a near-complete transition towards endothermic prey. Adult specimens predominantly rely on small mammals, particularly rodents, which are estimated to make up around 80% of their total food consumption, indicating a specialization for higher energy content prey as they grow.
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