Content Curator
The scientific name of rat snake is Colubrinae. Rat snakes are non- venomous reptiles that belong to the family Colubridae which houses other reptiles such as twig snakes and boomslangs as well. Rat snakes usually kill their prey by suffocating and constricting after coiling around them. Due to their docile nature and possession of no or little poison makes them popular as pets.
| Table of Contents |
Key words: Rat snakes, Reptilia, Colubrinae, Scientific Name, Taxonomy
Classification of Rat Snakes
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Rat snake is a common name for non-venomous snakes that mostly inhabit North America. They belong to the family Colubridae and sub- family Colubrinae which is also the scientific name of rat snakes. Rat snakes can further be classified into two categories: Old World Rat Snakes and New World Rat Snakes.
Moreover, Rat snakes are usually long and slender and have distinct patterns on their body, whether in the form of spots or stripes. In extreme cases, the shy and docile rat snakes can become aggressive when feeling threatened.
Learn More About:
| Other Concepts Related to this Topic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity in Plants and Animals | Diversity in Living Organism | Herbarium |
| Living Things | Taxonomic Hierarchy | Binomial Nomenclature |
Facts about Rat Snake
[Click Here for Previous Year Questions]
The following are some popular facts and characteristics about Rat Snake:
- Rat Snakes, scientifically called Colubrinae, are also commonly known as Dhaman.
- The largest rat snake is the Oriental rat snake (Zaocys carinatus) of southeastern asia.
- Rat snakes eat small mammals such as rats and rodents, hence the name “Rat Snakes”.
- Rat snakes do not provide parental care to their offspring.
- Rat snakes have the ability to produce a smelly musk to deter the predators.
- Rat snakes are known for being efficient climbers and swimmers.
Things to Remember
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
- Rat snakes are scientifically known as Colubrinae and belong to the family Colubridae.
- Rat snakes are non- venomous and non- aggressive reptiles.
- There are two types of Rat Snakes: Old World and New World.
- Rat snakes have the ability to musk.
- Rat snakes kill their prey by suffocating them.
| Other Concepts Related to This Chapter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Genus | Difference Between Biology And Zoology | Flora and Fauna |
| Cellular Organization | Taxonomy | Living Organisms |
| Microorganisms | Biodiversity | Five Kingdom Classification |
| Cell Organelles | Scientific Names | Extinction |
Previous Year Questions
- ICBN stands for..? (NEET 2007)
- A taxon is…? (NEET 1990)
- Which one of the following aspects is an exclusive characteristic of living things…? (NEET 2011)
- The label of a herbarium sheet does not carry information…? (NEET 2016)
- Karyotaxonomy is the modern branch of classification which is based on…? (MU OET 2013)
- The first phylogenetic system of plant classification was proposed by…? (JIPMER 2004)
- Phenetic classification is based on…? (MU OET 2012)
- The correct sequence of taxonomic hierarchy is…? (KCET 2018)
- Which one of the following is not a correct statement…? (NEET 2013)
- Identify from the following, the only taxonomic category that has a real existence… (KCET 2006)
- In binomial nomenclature…? (KCET 1991)
- Which of the following statement(s) about taxonomical aids is/are true? I. Keys are used to identify plants and animals based on similarities…? (KEAM)
- Which one of taxonomic aids can give comprehensive account of complete compiled information of any one genus…? (KEAM)
- Binomial nomenclature was first introduced by…?
- Which of the following pairs of specific names belongs to same common genus…?
- Systema Naturae was written by…?
Sample Questions
Ques: What is the scientific name of Rat Snakes? (1 mark)
Ans: The scientific name of rat snake is Colubrinae.
Ques: Which is the largest Rat Snake? (1 mark)
Ans: The Oriental Rat snake of Southeastern Asia is reported to be the largest Rat Snake measuring 3.7m long.
Ques: What is the difference between Old World and New World Rat Snakes? (1 mark)
Ans: Old world rat snakes include species from Africa and Asia whereas New world rat snakes include species from North and South America.
Ques: Why are Rat Snakes called “Rat” snakes? (1 mark)
Ans: These non-venomous snakes prey on small mammals such as rats for their source of food. Hence, they’re called “Rat” Snakes.
Ques: Why are Rat snakes called pet snakes as well? (1 mark)
Ans: Rat snakes are docile and non- venomous which make them suitable to be kept as pets by humans.
Do Check Out:
Comments