What is Smithophis mizoramensis?

About Smithophis mizoramensis:

• It is a new species of snake identified from Mizoram.
• It is named Smithophis mizoramensis after its place of discovery.
• The new species is also given a Mizo name “Tuithiangrul” or “Mizo Brook Snake.”
• This discovery brings the total number of known Smithophis species worldwide to five.
• Two other species from this genus, Smithophis atemporalis and Smithophis bicolor, were previously recorded in Mizoram.
• The newly identified snake has been under study for 15 years due to its close resemblance to related species. 
• Genetic analysis reveals a 10-14% DNA difference from its nearest relatives. 
• The snake also exhibits unique colouration and scale patterns.
• It inhabits both lowland and highland areas of Mizoram, particularly near rivers and their surroundings.

Q1: What is Genetics?

Genetics is the study of genes. Our genes carry information that gets passed from one generation to the next. For example, genes are why one child has blonde hair like their mother, while their sibling has brown hair like their father.

Sources: New snake species discovered in Mizoram named after the state