NSF Ohio University Snake Discovery

Researchers discovered the oldest definitive fossil evidence of modern venomous snakes in Africa, specifically in the Rukwa Rift Basin of Tanzania. The findings indicate that elapid snakes, including cobras, kraits, and sea snakes, existed in Africa as early as 25 million years ago. These snakes are part of the colubrid group, known for active foraging and using venom to capture prey. The study also revealed a higher concentration of colubrid snakes, suggesting an open and seasonally dry environment favorable for active hunting snakes.

Where was the oldest definitive fossil evidence of modern venomous snakes found?

• Rukwa Rift Basin

• Sahara Desert

• Nile Valley

• Kalahari Desert

Which group of snakes includes modern cobras, kraits, and sea snakes?

• Boas

• Vipers

• Pythons

• Elapids

What is the larger group to which elapids belong?

• Vipers

• Boas

• Pythons

• Colubrids

What does the high concentration of colubrid snakes suggest about the local environment?

• It was mountainous

• It was a wetland

• It was open and seasonally dry

• It was densely forested

Why are active hunting snakes like colubrids more suited to open environments?

• They are nocturnal

• They rely on ambush tactics

• They need dense cover

• They do not require cover to hunt