What key ecological distinction separates the arboreal niche of D. viridis from the niche of D. polylepis?
Answer
D. viridis favors moisture-rich forests, while D. polylepis adapted to drier, more open woodlands
Although both species belong to the *Dendroaspis* genus and share arboreal ancestry, their specific ecological adaptations have driven them into distinct habitats. *Dendroaspis viridis* is highly adapted to a specific, moisture-rich West African forest environment. In contrast, the Black Mamba, *Dendroaspis polylepis*, adapted to drier, more open savannas and woodlands in sub-Saharan regions. This environmental divergence shaped their morphology, behavior, and the specific composition of their venoms, illustrating evolutionary pressures even among close relatives within the same genus.
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