Which of the following snake species is generally recognised as the longest snake in the world in terms of measured total length?

Introduction / Context:
This is a classic question from the animal records section of general knowledge. It is important to distinguish between the longest snake and the heaviest or most massive snake, as different species hold these records. Many exams ask specifically about the snake that reaches the greatest length, and knowing which species this is will help you answer a whole family of similar questions quickly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks about the longest snake in terms of overall length, not weight.
• The options include several large and famous snakes: black mamba, puff adder, reticulated python, anaconda and king cobra.
• We assume the question is based on verified maximum lengths reported in common reference works.
• The answer sought is the species usually listed in exam books as holding the record for greatest length.

Concept / Approach:
Reticulated python from southeast Asia is widely recognised as the longest snake species in the world, with reliable records of individuals exceeding eight or nine metres in length. Green anaconda, native to South America, is heavier and more massive but typically slightly shorter in verified length, so it often holds the record for heaviest snake, not longest. Black mamba, puff adder and king cobra are large and dangerous but do not match reticulated python in overall length. Therefore, reticulated python is the standard answer for longest snake in general knowledge contexts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Separate the idea of longest snake from heaviest snake in your mind. Step 2: Recall that reticulated python has confirmed length records greater than those of other species, sometimes beyond eight metres. Step 3: Remember that anaconda, although extremely heavy and bulky, usually has slightly shorter verified maximum lengths and is therefore often named as heaviest rather than longest. Step 4: Note that black mamba, puff adder and king cobra are large venomous snakes but do not approach the extreme lengths of reticulated python. Step 5: Choose reticulated python as the world's longest snake species.

Verification / Alternative check:
Animal record tables in standard GK books and encyclopedias typically list reticulated python as the longest snake species, giving approximate maximum lengths and sometimes naming famous large individuals. They also usually list green anaconda as the heaviest snake. This consistent pairing across multiple references reinforces the idea that reticulated python is the correct answer whenever the question focuses specifically on length rather than weight.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Black mamba is a highly venomous African snake that is long compared to many species but significantly shorter than reticulated python.
Puff adder is a stocky viper and is not remotely close to record breaking lengths.
Anaconda is extremely heavy and powerful and may come close in length, but most GK materials reserve the longest snake title for reticulated python and the heaviest snake title for anaconda.
King cobra is the world's longest venomous snake but has a shorter maximum length than reticulated python, which is non venomous.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse longest with largest or heaviest, leading them to choose anaconda by thinking of sheer bulk. Another pitfall is to misremember king cobra as the longest because of its fame as a venomous species. To avoid these mistakes, remember the simple association: reticulated python equals longest snake, green anaconda equals heaviest snake and king cobra equals longest venomous snake.

Final Answer:
The snake species generally recognised as the longest in the world is the reticulated python.