To which Phylum does *Crotalus oreganus* belong, signifying it has a backbone?
Answer
Chordata
The taxonomic placement of *Crotalus oreganus* moves systematically downward from the highest grouping. The Kingdom is Animalia, but the next level down is the Phylum. The Phylum Chordata is assigned to organisms that possess a notochord at some point during their embryonic or adult development. This phylum fundamentally classifies animals that possess a backbone or spinal column, placing snakes firmly within the group of vertebrates alongside fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Reptilia is the Class below the Phylum, and Squamata is the Order.

Related Questions
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