What Is the Boa Snake Class?
Scientists use a classification system called the Linnaean system to categorize all living things. Although there are many species of boa constrictor snakes, they are all in the same kingdom (Animalia), the same phylum (Cordata, meaning this snake has a backbone), the same subphylum (Vertebrata, meaning the backbone is made up of a series of individual vertebrae) and the same class (Reptilia).
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Characteristics
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Although boa constrictors look different from lizards, crocodiles, alligators, turtles, tortoises and even other snakes like the king cobra, all members of the class Reptilia share certain features. Reptiles are all cold-blooded, which means they cannot regulate their own body temperature. They all need to periodically shed their skins and their skins are covered in scales.
Significance
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Because boa snakes are reptiles, they need constant access to both a heat source and a place to cool off. If denied either of these things, the snake could die from the cold or from too much heat. Reptiles also need an area to soak their skins when it's time for them to shed. Reptiles are solitary creatures that often do not get along with other reptiles. They do not participate in rearing their young. Young reptiles are born instinctively knowing how to survive, while birds and mammals need to learn from adults.
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Types
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There are more than a dozen species of boa snakes, according to Reptile Channel.com. But they all share the same class, so they share the same care needs and exhibit similar behaviors. Popular boa species in the pet trade include the red-tailed boa, the emerald tree boa, the rosy boa, the rubber boa, the Amazon tree boa and the common northern boa (or common boa constrictor).
Problem
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In trying to talk about animals such as the boa constrictor, scientists soon discovered that there were many local names for the same animal. For example, boas are also "boa constrictors" or "jiboas." One name was needed for each creature so that scientists could identify the creature, no matter what language they spoke. Also, there are many species of boas, but they are all reptiles and all kill their prey by squeezing it to death.
Solution
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The classification system was developed by Carolus or Carl Linnaeus in the 1740s. Because Latin was the language used by scholars at the time, Linnaeus used Latin words in creating his classifications. That's why a boa constrictor's class is officially "Reptilia" instead of the English word "reptile." Biologists, herpetologists (those who study reptiles) and other scientists found the Linnaean system so useful that it's been in widespread use since the 1800s.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dumeril"s ground boa image by Reisbegeleider.com from Fotolia.com
