Within the Scolecophidia infraorder, which family specifically houses the genus *Rena*, containing *R. humilis*?
Answer
Leptotyphlopidae
The taxonomic classification of the Western Blind Snake places it within the Scolecophidia, which contains three main families. *R. humilis* is specifically categorized under the family Leptotyphlopidae. The genus name, *Rena*, is derived from Greek roots signifying traits like being 'slender' and 'blind'. Although the Scolecophidia retain primitive features linking them to ancient ancestors, the Typhlopidae family, another sister group, notably experienced major diversification events significantly later than the initial establishment of these ancient lineages.
Related Questions
What mechanism facilitated the initial diversification of blindsnakes heavily influenced by the breakup of Indigascar?How does the skull of *Rena humilis* function mechanically to facilitate its subterranean existence?What geological time frame is suggested by molecular studies for the initial diversification of Scolecophidians?What specialized structure is located at the tail terminus of *R. humilis* to aid in forward propulsion within tunnels?Which description accurately characterizes the scales on the body of the Western Blind Snake?Within the Scolecophidia infraorder, which family specifically houses the genus *Rena*, containing *R. humilis*?What specific dietary relationship critically links the evolutionary success and persistence of *R. humilis*?What surprising mechanism is strongly supported by molecular phylogenies for the dispersal of some blindsnake clades across the Atlantic gap?What does the Latin meaning of *humilis* in the Western Blind Snake’s scientific name, *Rena humilis*, signify about its lifestyle?When did the major evolutionary radiation within the Typhlopidae family occur relative to the Cretaceous extinction event?