What does the specific species designation nasicus signify regarding the morphology of Heterodon nasicus?
Answer
It relates to the nose
The final step in the Linnaean classification system, the species name, carries specific meaning related to the organism’s characteristics. For *Heterodon nasicus*, the specific designation *nasicus* is derived from Latin roots indicating a relationship to the nose. This directly references the prominent, upturned rostral scale that gives the entire genus its common name, the hognose. While this species can be distinguished from others in the genus by other factors, such as its specific dorsal pattern (dark blotches or saddles) and broader geographic range, the species name itself is rooted in the distinctive nasal structure.
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