alligator

An alligator is a large aquatic reptile with short limbs, a powerful tail, and blunt, powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth. Like its cousin the crocodile, it is one of the apex predators of rivers and swamps, and as such feared and occasionally worshipped by peoples, while its meat and leather are lightly prized.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Alligators can grow to be 13 feet long and nearly 800 pounds on average. They have short limbs with webbed toes, an elongated, flattened body, a muscular, rudderlike tail, and powerful jaws filled with pointed teeth. The eyes and nostrils are located at the top of the head, allowing it to breathe and see while mostly submerged, and its dull, dark green, armored hide tends to resemble the bark of a fallen tree.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Alligators have excellent senses of smell and vision, allowing them to hunt at night and in near-absolute darkness. In addition, they are able to detect minute vibrations in the water--a sort of aquatic tremorsense

Scientific Name

Alligator spp.

Geographic Distribution

• Mistmyre Swamp