King Cobra
Jc
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genius & Species
Kingdom: Animalia
Heterotroph
Multicellular organisms
No cell wall
Specified tissues
Phylum: Chordata
Bilateral symmetry
Segmented body & muscles
Notochord & spinal cord
Complete digestive system
Anus
Heart & Brain
Endoskeleton
Class: Reptilia
Most have 3-chambered hearts
Cold-blooded
Dry, scaly skin
They shed their skin
Order: Serpentes
scaly
legless
sometimes venomous
long, tapering cylindrical body
mostly found in temperate and tropical regions
(Serpentes is a suborder of the order Squamata)
Family: Elapidae
venomous fangs
fangs at front of upper jaw
Genius & Species: Ophiophagus hannah
Isn't it odd that a king cobra can spread its ribs to make its hood? the king cobra, from the phylum Ophiophagus hannah, is one of the most fascinating, strange, and beautiful vertebrates. These snakes have all the charactaristics they need to survive in their habitat.
The king cobra has strange and useful characteristics that help it survive in its home. For example, one of these characteristics is the cobra's hood, which is made by spreading its ribs (Encarta). This helps them by making them appear bigger and more intimidating to other animals. In addition, these snakes have fangs that can inject venom into its prey (Encarta). This helps them by being a method of killing prey. Also, king cobras can grow up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) long (Encarta). This helps them by making them a least favorite thing for other animals to attack. these things only a snake could have, and that is why the king cobra is so great.
The Philippines is a great place for a king cobra to live, although they live in many different habitats. For example, the Philippines has a lot of rainforest in it. This is beneficial because the king cobra can lay in wait (and live) in the vegetation. In addition, the Philippines have a topical climate. This is beneficial because the cobras need that kind of climate for comfort and survival. Also, the Philippines has some water for the snakes. this is beneficial because they need water, just like any other animal. The king cobra shares it's habitat with other animals, but it is one of the masters of its island home.
The habitat of the king cobra and its characteristics are closely linked. The many habitats and unique characteristics are of the king cobra makes it so special; this is why we must protect the species, or one of the kings of the earth will be destroyed.
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King cobra slithers through the green, green grass; see how he strikes at his prey. |
Young, Diana. King Cobra. April 03, 1997. University of Michigan. April 16, 2003. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/ophiophagus/o._hannah$narrative.html>
King Cobra. Microsoft Corp. April 16, 2003. <http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefMedia.aspx?refid=461526331&artrefid=761559191&sec=-1&pn=1>
Cobra (snake)," Microsoft® Encarta® Online
Encyclopedia 2003
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2003
Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved
© 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Muzzy, Cathrine. Personal interview. 16 Apr. 2003
