The American Alligator
Created by Arshia Feizmohammady
Work cited in APA format
- Brain, Marshall. (2004). How Alligators Work. how stuff works. Retrieved from
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/alligator.htm
- National Geographic Partners. (2020). National Geographic. Retrieved from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/a/american-alligator/
- Pappas, Stephanie. (2011). Cannibalism Weeds Out Baby Alligators. Live Science. Retrieved from
https://www.livescience.com/14368-cannibalism-baby-alligators-florida.html
- Shreiber, Brandon. (2007). Alligator mississippiensis. The Gator Hole 101. Retrieved from
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2007/schreibe_bran/adaptations.htm
- Strauss, Bob. (2018). Why Did Crocodiles Survive the K/T Extinction? ThoughtCo. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/why-did-crocodiles-survive-the-kt-extinction-1092137
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2020). Alligator reptile. Britannica. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/animal/American-alligator
- The National Wildlife Federation. (NA). American Alligator. The National Wildlife Federation. Retrieved from
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Reptiles/American-Alligator
Bibliography
What is an adaptation?
Adaptations
- An adaptation is a feature of an organism enabling it to survive and/or reproduce in its natural environment.
- Morphological adaptations, Physiological adaptations, and behavioural adaptations are the three different categories of adaptation.
- morphological adaptations are adaptations in the body that are visible to us. For example, a tail or wings.
- Physiological adaptations are adaptations that are created chemically from within the body. For example, the venom of a snake.
- Behavioural adaptations are adaptations that are created by behaviors. For example, the opossum acting dead.
- Each on the three categories of adaptation can be further divided into sub categories.
Armor Plating
- The first morphological adaptation of the american alligator is the fact that it is armor plated. The american alligator has bony plates inside the skin, called scutes. These scutes make the skin extremely durable and hard to penetrate. There is a bone inside the scute that helps protect the alligator from attacks. (Marshall, 2004).
Morphological Adaptation 1
American Alligators
Alligators
- Alligators are one of the oldest species currently alive on planet earth. They have been around for millions of years and are about as close as humans will ever get to seeing a living dinosaur. (Marshall, 2004). The american alligator has many morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations which allow it to survive.
- The scientific name of the american alligator is "Alligator mississippiensis". These alligators are reptiles and have an average life span of 35-50 yeas. They weigh on average 1000 pounds are have very low risk of extinction as of right now. (National Geographic Partners, 2020).
Flexible diet
- Alligators, and american alligators, are apex predators. They feed mainly on fish, turtles, snakes, and small mammals. However, a hungry alligator will eat anything it finds to survive, including carrion, pets, humans and smaller alligators. This is an example of a behavior related to feeding and food selection. (National Geographic Partners, 2020).
Behavioural Adaptation 1
Two set of eyelids
- The second morphological adaptation of the american alligator is its two set of eyelids. The outer lids are like human eyelids. They are made of skin and close top-to-bottom. The inner lids are clear and close back-to-front. While an alligator is sitting about or swimming, these inner eyelids protect the alligator's eyes and provide clearer vision in the underwater environment. (Marshall, 2004).
Morphological Adaptation 2
Palatal valve and special flaps
- When alligators are under water, special flaps cover the ears and nostrils and the inner eyelids protect the eyes. A special flap called the palatal valve is a morphological adaptation which allows the american alligator to close its throat and keep water out of it. These adaptations help alligators stay water tight while being under water. (Marshall, 2004).
Morphological Adaptation 3
Caring for The young and regulating the population
- Female alligators care for their young for about two years. They protect them from predators including birds, raccoons, bobcats, and even other alligators. (National Geographic Partners,2020). However, some alligators that cannot eat properly because of their children, eat the weakest offsprings in order to protect the stronger ones. Furthermore, Some studies show that alligators sometimes eat their children to help regulate the population. This is an example of a behaviour related to protection of young. (Pappas, 2011)
Behavioural Adaptation 2
Webbed feet
- Alligators spend a lot of time in the water. Many of their body parts have morphological adaptations which help them swim. Webbed feet are another adaptation of alligators that help them steer the water. The combined power of their tail and the efficiency of their webbed feet make them extremely fast swimmers. (Shreiber, 2007).
Morphological Adaptation 4
Undergoing dormancy
- Alligators are one of the oldest animals on the planet. Their ancestors roamed earth with other dinosaurs. They are reptilian and cold-blooded. There is a theory that because of their cold-blooded metabolisms, they didn't have to eat very much and could survive for extended periods in severe darkness where other dinosaurs couldn't. (Strauss, 2018). Alligators, and american alligators, can undergo dormancy when the weather is unbearable for them. They are known to dig tunnels 65 feet (20 meters) long to protect themselves from extreme heat and cold. This is an example of an adaptation in response to the environment. (The National Wildlife Federation, NA).
Behavioural Adaptation 3
Powerful tail
- Along their two set of eyelids, palatal valve, and special flaps that cover their nostril and ears, alligators also have a powerful tail. Their tail allows them to swim faster in the water and to defend themselves from predators. They use their tail as their main source of propulsion in water. Their tail is so strong that it can break a human's legs by slamming into them. ( The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020).
Morphological Adaptation 5