What necessary characteristic is confirmed by the designation of *H. platurus* in Kingdom Animalia?
Answer
It is a multicellular organism that must consume other organisms for energy, meaning it is heterotrophic.
Kingdom Animalia is the broadest classification level for this snake, encompassing nearly all macroscopic life forms recognized as animals. The defining feature of membership in this kingdom is that these organisms are multicellular and, critically, they cannot produce their own food internally through processes like photosynthesis. Therefore, *Hydrophis platurus*, like all animals, must obtain energy by ingesting and consuming other organisms, making it heterotrophic. This fundamental requirement separates animals from the Kingdoms Plantae or Fungi.
Related Questions
Why was Hydrophis platurus moved from the genus Pelamis to Hydrophis?What significant characteristic defines the Family Elapidae, to which Hydrophis platurus belongs?Which defining trait of Class Reptilia does Hydrophis platurus typically deviate from in its life cycle?What specific feature justifies the placement of Hydrophis platurus within Phylum Chordata?Who first formally named the species as *platurus* and in what year, according to accepted nomenclature authority?What defining feature distinguishes snakes within Order Squamata, which includes *H. platurus*?What does the notation *Hydrophis* (*Pelamis*) *platurus* signify regarding the original classification?What necessary characteristic is confirmed by the designation of *H. platurus* in Kingdom Animalia?What evolutionary conclusion is supported by *H. platurus* belonging to Family Elapidae despite its pelagic life?What concept does the specific epithet *platurus* reference regarding the physical attributes of *H. platurus*?