Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Serpentes is as suborder of reptilia. All snakes are classified within this suborder. Although all snakes share similar characteristics they are further subdivided into various families, the members of which have certain further similarities. These families are:
Snakes share all the common characteristics of reptiles and squamata, which can be found in the lined nodes. In addition to this they have many more common features.
- An elongated body, with a endoskeleton consisting of a skull, many vertebrae and ribs.
- A forked tongue coming from the floor of the mouth and a Jacobson's organ.
- No external ears
- No eyelids
Snakes are extraordinarily well distributed. They can be found in almost all parts of the world. All snakes are carnivores, but their prey and hunting methods vary greatly depending on their size and the habitat in which they live. Some snakes are venomous, and few are dangerous to humans.