What unusual preparatory step occurs regarding prey digestion after *Crotalus oreganus* strikes?
Answer
The venom begins the digestive process externally before swallowing
The venom injected by *Crotalus oreganus* serves a dual purpose beyond merely incapacitating the small mammalian prey. Once the prey stops struggling after being struck and envenomated, the digestive process actually begins externally. The components within the venom start breaking down the tissues of the meal. Only after this external predigestion has commenced does the rattlesnake utilize its heat-sensing pits to locate the inert meal and then proceeds to swallow the prey whole.
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