What structural feature distinguishes the Phylum Chordata, which includes Pantherophis obsoletus?
Answer
Having a notochord at some stage
The placement of the Western Rat Snake within the Phylum Chordata is determined by the presence of a notochord at some point during its developmental lifecycle. The notochord is a flexible rod providing structural support to the developing embryo, which is later replaced by the vertebral column in vertebrates. This places *P. obsoletus* in the same broad grouping as fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. This criterion is a fundamental distinction separating chordates from invertebrates that rely on other forms of skeletal support, such as external exoskeletons.
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