General Characteristics
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Northern copperhead
Kingdom: Animalia
- all multicellular/heterotrophs, eukaryotic organisms
- move independently
- grow and develop throughout their lifetime
- able to reproduce
Phylum: Chordata
- posses a notochord at some point in their lifespan.
- Bilateral symmetry
- Segmented body
- Three germ layers, developed coelom
- Hollow nerve cord, enlarged anterior end
- Tail projecting beyond the anus
Subphylum: Vertebrata
- integument of two divisions; outer epidermis/inner dermis
- replaced notochord by vertebral column,
- bony/cartilaginous endoskeleton consisting of cranium, visceral arches, limn girdles, 2 pairs of appendages
- muscular pharynx
Class: Reptilia
- eggs produced by an extra membrane, the amnion
- horny epidermal scales
- eggs covered with a leathery or calcium based shell
Order: Squamata
- most diverse of all reptile groups
- shed skin periodically
- uniquely jointed skulls and jaws which are both strong and flexible
Family: Viperidae
- Solenoglyphs, meaning the have long hollow fangs in the front of the mouth
- Keeled body scales
- Triangular shape of the head
- Camouflage colouration
Genus: Agkistrodon
- means copperheads