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How to Identify and Classify Snakes
Contributed by: Wallis
  • 1. What is the first step in identifying a snake?
A) Observe its overall appearance and behavior.
B) Determine its exact age.
C) Immediately try to handle the snake.
D) Check its venom toxicity.
  • 2. What is the most important external feature to observe for identification?
A) Scalation (arrangement of scales).
B) The loudness of its hiss.
C) The smell of the snake.
D) The snake's weight.
  • 3. What is a key characteristic of pit vipers?
A) Smooth, glossy scales.
B) Constricting behavior.
C) Heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils.
D) Brightly colored bands.
  • 4. What does the acronym 'Dorsal' refer to?
A) The tail region.
B) The belly of the snake.
C) The back or upper surface.
D) The head shape.
  • 5. What is the difference between keeled and smooth scales?
A) Keeled scales have a ridge down the center.
B) Keeled scales are only found on venomous snakes.
C) Smooth scales are always brightly colored.
D) Keeled scales are smaller.
  • 6. What does the term 'anal plate' refer to?
A) The plate covering the head.
B) Scales along the dorsal region.
C) Scales near the mouth.
D) The scale covering the vent.
  • 7. Which feature is most helpful to differentiate between coral snakes and mimics?
A) The size of the scales.
B) The length of the snake.
C) The order of colored bands (if applicable).
D) The snake's temperament.
  • 8. What is the best way to determine the number of scale rows?
A) Estimate the total number of scales.
B) Count the scales around the midbody.
C) Count the scales on the tail.
D) Count the scales on the head.
  • 9. What is the shape of a viper's head typically like?
A) Triangular.
B) Square.
C) Oval.
D) Round.
  • 10. Which of these is NOT a common snake behavior used for identification?
A) Burrowing.
B) Hibernation patterns in summer.
C) Climbing.
D) Swimming.
  • 11. What type of teeth do colubrid snakes typically have?
A) Solenoglyphous (folding fangs).
B) Aglyphous (no fangs) or Opisthoglyphous (rear fangs).
C) Proteroglyphous (fixed front fangs).
D) They don't have any teeth.
  • 12. What does 'cloaca' refer to?
A) The snake's brain.
B) The common opening for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts.
C) The snake's nose.
D) The snake's ears.
  • 13. What is a loreal pit used for?
A) Detecting infrared radiation (heat).
B) Breathing underwater.
C) Smelling prey.
D) Detecting sound waves.
  • 14. Which is a reliable characteristic to help ID a snake from shed skin?
A) Color pattern (usually faded).
B) Size (can be stretched).
C) Smell (quickly dissipates).
D) Scalation patterns.
  • 15. Which of the following is a family of venomous snakes?
A) Boidae.
B) Colubridae.
C) Pythonidae.
D) Elapidae.
  • 16. What is the primary function of venom in venomous snakes?
A) To aid in digestion only.
B) To attract a mate.
C) To subdue or kill prey.
D) To camouflage themselves.
  • 17. What is the scientific name for the study of snakes?
A) Entomology.
B) Ichthyology.
C) Ophiology.
D) Herpetology.
  • 18. What does the term 'constrictor' refer to?
A) Snakes that lay eggs.
B) Snakes that eat only insects.
C) Snakes that kill prey by squeezing.
D) Snakes that inject venom.
  • 19. What type of environment are aquatic snakes adapted to?
A) Freshwater or saltwater habitats.
B) Desert environments.
C) Alpine forests.
D) Tundra regions.
  • 20. What is the role of the Jacobson's organ in snakes?
A) To see in the dark.
B) To hear vibrations.
C) To regulate body temperature.
D) To detect scent particles.
  • 21. What is the advantage of the hinged jaw that allows some snakes to swallow large prey?
A) The snake's teeth are elastic.
B) The lower jaw is not fused at the front, allowing it to expand.
C) The snake can detach its jaw entirely.
D) The snake's skull is made of cartilage.
  • 22. When identifying a snake, why is it important to know its geographic location?
A) Geographic location affects scale color.
B) Certain species are only found in specific regions.
C) All snakes look identical regardless of location.
D) The size of a snake is different depending on location.
  • 23. What does 'viviparous' mean in the context of snake reproduction?
A) Laying eggs that hatch internally.
B) Laying eggs.
C) Giving birth to live young.
D) Reproducing asexually.
  • 24. Which of the following describes snake eyesight?
A) Snakes only see in black and white.
B) Variable, some have poor vision, while others have excellent vision.
C) All snakes have 20/20 vision.
D) Snakes are blind.
  • 25. What is the purpose of the forked tongue in snakes?
A) To cool themselves in hot weather.
B) To taste their prey before eating it.
C) To aid in vocalization.
D) To collect scent particles from two locations simultaneously for directional sense.
  • 26. Which of the following snakes is known for its neurotoxic venom?
A) Boas.
B) Vipers.
C) Cobras.
D) Rattlesnakes.
  • 27. What is 'ecdysis'?
A) The process of hibernation.
B) The process of laying eggs.
C) The process of constricting prey.
D) The process of shedding skin.
  • 28. What is a common defense mechanism of non-venomous snakes?
A) Injecting venom.
B) Playing dead.
C) Using heat pits.
D) Flying.
  • 29. What is the benefit of a snake's camouflage?
A) To communicate with other snakes.
B) To hide from predators and ambush prey.
C) To attract a mate.
D) To regulate body temperature.
  • 30. Which of the following tools would be MOST useful for safely observing a snake from a distance?
A) A net.
B) Binoculars.
C) Gloves.
D) A shovel.
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