Which specific physical feature gives the black mamba its namesake color across all ages?
Answer
The inside of its mouth
The one physical characteristic that is consistently black across all age groups of the *Dendroaspis polylepis* and provides the basis for its common name is the interior lining of its oral cavity. When the black mamba feels threatened, it employs a startling defensive posture where it gaps its mouth widely. This action reveals the intense, inky black lining of the inside of its mouth, which serves as a visual deterrent intended to intimidate potential threats, contrasting sharply with its typically muted exterior.
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