Animal World

ALLIGATOR

1. Organism names: Alligators are crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. They are large, semi aquatic carnivorous reptiles. There are two living alligator species: the American Alligator and the Chinese alligator.

Scientific classification:

Phylum: cordata

Class : Sauropsida

Order: Crocodilia

Family: Alligatoridae

Genus: Alligator

2. Distinguishing external characteristics: Alligators are reptiles and have a dry, long armored body with thick scales. These scales help to prevent loss of body water in dry environment. They are semi aquatic animals, that is, they spend most of their time in the water, but come out on land to absorb heat periodically. The tail is also used to store fat for nourishment during winter. They have four legs and a huge tail which helps to propel through water. They can swim with the top of their heads above water. Adult alligators tend to be grayish in color, but the young’s tend to be colorful.

3. Distinguishing internal characteristics: Like all chordates, alligators have a nerve chord, a notochord which runs through out the body, paired structures in throat and muscular tails which extends beyond the anus. They have four chambered hearts. Alligators are cold blooded. They don’t make their own body heat. They have short, blunt and rounded nose. This particular animal has valves in their ears and nostrils to keep water out. Their mouths lack lips and thus don’t shut completely. They do not have genetic sex determination. Their sex is determined by the incubation temperature.

4. Normal habitat: Alligators are native to only two countries: the USA and China. The American alligators are found along the coast of the gulf of Mexico, Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. They are mostly in habitats of Florida and Louisiana. They live both in fresh water and brackish environment.

The Chinese alligator is found in the Yangtze River Valley. They are an endangered animal. They live in...