What significant characteristic defines the Family Elapidae, to which Hydrophis platurus belongs?

Answer

They are characterized as highly specialized, fixed-fanged venomous snakes.

Family Elapidae is crucial in taxonomy because it groups snakes known for their potent venom delivery systems. A defining trait of Elapids, which includes *H. platurus*, terrestrial cobras, and mambas, is the presence of short, fixed front fangs. This specialized dental arrangement is linked to a powerful neurotoxic venom profile, which remains characteristic of the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake despite its completely marine existence. This specialized venom apparatus is an inherited trait indicating that the evolutionary lineage leading to sea snakes had already established these advanced venom mechanisms before adapting fully to life at sea, distinguishing them sharply from many other snake families.

What significant characteristic defines the Family Elapidae, to which Hydrophis platurus belongs?

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*?
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