Paradigm Colombian Boa
Photo by Mike Weitzman
This morph was first created by breeding Boawoman Hypo/Carmel X Sharp Albino. The F1 should have been double heterozygous for both mutations, however the result was the Paradigm.
Currently a few theories exist about the reasons behind the mutation. I have spoken with Mike a few times and with Biology and Genetics majors at Cornell University to try and figure out the reason behind the existence of such a unique boa. Currently my feelings behind this is that the Sharp and Carmel mutations are related and that essentially the Paradigm is a third homozygous phenotype. Basically think of it this way. The allele for Sharp is on part 1 and 2 of some chromosome. The allele for Carmel is on part 1 and 3 of the same chromosome as the Sharp. Then when bred together all the offspring have a mutation on chromosome 1, which makes a Paradigm. This is the only thing that makes sense, however one thing I can't figure out is what would happen with part 2 and 3. Would some Paradigms also have 2, and some 3? If this were the case, why doesn't it make another phenotype? Maybe when two Paradigms are bred together you will get a boa with all parts, 1,2 and 3. Maybe something different? Maybe it looks like a regular Albino, who knows if it will even exist. The 1,2,3 idea is the best way I can explain it, but personally I do not think Paradigm X Paradigm will produce a new mutation. But we will see in the future. One thing that Mike and I both think will occur is that a Paradigm X Normal will produce a 50/50 split of Het Carmel and Het Sharp. A lot of guesses, surprises, and questions will come up with this project, and if all goes well some answers to one of the greatest mysteries in Boa genetics. A clue to how things will result came from Ball Pythons. If you breed Lesser X Lesser you get a Blue eyed white snake. If you breed Mojave X Mojave you get the same thing but it has a purple tint. If you breed Mojave X Lesser you also get a White. If you breed one of these Blue Eyed-Whites from a Lesser X Mojave to a Normal you get a 50/50 split of Mojave and Lesser. Which are (while visual mutation) Hets for each. So Paradigm X Normal will produce a 50/50 split of hets for each parent morph.
Originated by Mike Weitzman, more information is available at the following link: The Paradigm Boa
More pictures available at: Paradigm Photo Gallery
The Paradigm seems to be some form of T+ Albino, but should not be confused with the VPI T+ Carmel Albino.