What structural feature distinguishes Family Elapidae, which includes Dendroaspis viridis, from vipers?
Answer
Possession of fixed front fangs used to inject venom
The critical characteristic uniting members of the Elapidae family, such as the Western Green Mamba, cobras, and sea snakes, is their venom delivery system. Unlike vipers, which possess hinged and retractable fangs that swing forward for striking, elapids utilize shorter, non-movable structures known as fixed front fangs. These fangs are permanently positioned to inject venom directly into the victim upon biting. This structural difference in the apparatus used for envenomation is a primary determinant in classifying a snake within the Elapidae family, signifying a shared, potent venom delivery mechanism.
Related Questions
What structural feature distinguishes Family Elapidae, which includes Dendroaspis viridis, from vipers?What lifestyle is described by the Greek derivation of the Genus name Dendroaspis?What specific Latin meaning is assigned to the specific epithet viridis for Dendroaspis viridis?What embryonic structure confirms the placement of the Western Green Mamba within Phylum Chordata?What primary effect does the neurotoxic venom of Dendroaspis viridis have on the body?According to the text, which West African nation is explicitly part of the geographical range of D. viridis?What is the basis for the name of Order Squamata, which includes all lizards and snakes?How does the conservation classification of Dendroaspis viridis generally compare to the Black Mamba (D. polylepis)?What defining feature must reptiles in Class Reptilia exhibit, which includes the Western Green Mamba?What key ecological distinction separates the arboreal niche of D. viridis from the niche of D. polylepis?