Which one of the following is not considered a true snake but is actually a legless lizard or another reptile type?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Glass snake

Explanation:


Introduction:
Some reptiles closely resemble snakes because they have elongated bodies and lack obvious limbs, but anatomically they belong to different groups. This question asks you to identify which of the listed names does not refer to a true snake, even though it sounds like one, and instead points to a legless lizard or similar reptile.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- Options include blind snake, glass snake, sea snake and tree snake. - The wording not a true snake refers to taxonomic classification. - Common names can be misleading and are not always precise. - We assume standard zoology classification of snakes versus lizards.


Concept / Approach:
The glass snake, also called glass lizard, is actually a legless lizard. It has eyelids and ear openings, which are typical lizard features and are absent in true snakes. It is called a snake only because of its elongated, limbless appearance. In contrast, blind snakes, sea snakes and tree snakes are genuine snakes from different families that have evolved for underground, marine or arboreal lifestyles respectively.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the term glass snake is often explained in textbooks as a misnomer for a legless lizard. Step 2: Note that glass snakes have lizard characteristics such as movable eyelids and external ear openings. Step 3: Recognise that blind snakes, sea snakes and tree snakes are accepted common names for real snake species adapted to different habitats. Step 4: Conclude that glass snake is the only option which is not a true snake.


Verification / Alternative check:
Zoology references and many competitive exam guides clearly state that the glass snake or glass lizard belongs to the lizard group (family Anguidae or similar, depending on region) and is not a true snake. This repeated clarification supports selecting glass snake as the correct answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Blind snake: A small burrowing snake that may have reduced eyes but is taxonomically a true snake. Sea snake: A highly venomous group of snakes adapted to marine life, definitely members of the snake suborder. Tree snake: Refers to various arboreal snakes; these are genuine snakes that live in trees.


Common Pitfalls:
Because common names often include the word snake, learners may assume that all such animals are true snakes. Another pitfall is not remembering the key anatomical differences between snakes and legless lizards, such as eyelids and ear openings. Associating the phrase glass snake equals legless lizard in memory helps to answer this type of question quickly and accurately.


Final Answer:
The animal that is not a true snake is the Glass snake, which is actually a legless lizard.

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