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