**How many hours does a python sleep?**

The correct answer is option A) 4 hours.

**Explanation:**

**1. Introduction**
Python is a type of snake that belongs to the family Pythonidae. It is a non-venomous snake found in various parts of the world. Like other reptiles, pythons have different sleep patterns compared to mammals or birds.

**2. Sleep Patterns of Pythons**
Pythons are ectothermic animals, which means their body temperature is regulated by the environment. Unlike mammals, pythons do not have a specific sleep-wake cycle. Instead, they exhibit a pattern known as "torpor," which is a state of decreased physiological activity.

**3. Torpor in Pythons**
During torpor, pythons reduce their metabolic rate and conserve energy. This period of decreased activity resembles sleep in mammals but is not exactly the same. Pythons enter torpor for extended periods, especially during periods of low food availability or unfavorable environmental conditions.

**4. Duration of Torpor**
The duration of torpor in pythons can vary depending on several factors such as temperature, food availability, and habitat conditions. On average, pythons can remain in torpor for around 4 hours per day. However, this duration can vary among different species and individuals.

**Conclusion**
In conclusion, pythons sleep for approximately 4 hours per day. They enter a state of torpor to conserve energy and reduce their metabolic rate. It is important to note that the sleep patterns of pythons differ from mammals and birds due to their ectothermic nature.