What Class defines Pantherophis obsoletus by possessing scales and being ectothermic?
Answer
Reptilia
The classification of the Western Rat Snake places it firmly within the Class Reptilia. This grouping is fundamentally characterized by the presence of scales covering the body, which serve as a protective layer. Furthermore, reptiles are known for being ectothermic, meaning they rely on external environmental sources to regulate their body temperature, often referred to colloquially as being cold-blooded. While reptiles typically reproduce by laying amniotic eggs, snakes within this group exhibit diversity in birth methods, sometimes involving internal development leading to live birth. These characteristics distinguish Reptilia from other vertebrate classes like Amphibia or Mammalia.
Related Questions
What Class defines Pantherophis obsoletus by possessing scales and being ectothermic?The Western Rat Snake is a member of which large snake Family?Before genetic analysis refined taxonomy, P. obsoletus and relatives were often grouped under which genus?What defines members of the reptile Order Squamata regarding body covering?What is the Latin meaning associated with the specific epithet obsoletus?What Global Rank (G5) has NatureServe assigned to Pantherophis obsoletus?What imprecise term is sometimes used to refer to snakes in the Family Colubridae?What structural feature distinguishes the Phylum Chordata, which includes Pantherophis obsoletus?Which synonym reflects the original description designation placing the snake under Coluber?The genus Pantherophis signifies a lineage separate from which Eurasian counterparts?Which two species, now classified separately within Pantherophis, were once included in the broader Elaphe obsoleta complex?