The scientific classification of a snake involves several taxonomic ranks, starting from the broadest category down to the most specific. Snakes belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, and order Squamata. Within this order, they are further divided into suborders, primarily Serpentes, which is the group that includes all snakes.
To break it down further:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Serpentes
Within these classifications, there are numerous families and genera that further categorize the over 3,000 snake species found worldwide. For example, the common garter snake is classified as:
- Family: Colubridae
- Genus: Thamnophis
- Species: Thamnophis sirtalis
This hierarchical structure helps scientists communicate about various snake species and understand their evolutionary relationships, behaviors, and habitats.