Admin Table of Contents
- 1 What are alligators physical characteristics?
- 2 What characteristics does an alligator have that helps it to survive?
- 3 Which is a physical adaptation of the American alligator?
- 4 What are the physical features of an alligator?
- 5 How are alligators different from other reptiles?
- 6 How much does a full grown alligator weigh?
What are alligators physical characteristics?
American alligator News. Both males and females have an “armored” body with a muscular, flat tail. The skin on their back is armored with embedded bony plates called osteoderms or scutes. They have four short legs; the front legs have five toes while the back legs have only four toes.
What characteristics does an alligator have that helps it to survive?
Legs, Snout and Tail This skin can help push the water while they are swimming, allowing them to move quickly through swampy waters. Alligators have long snouts and strong tails. These physical characteristics can help them dig burrows, which are tunnels underground.
What is the behavior of an alligator?
Alligators are predators and are nocturnal—that is, active mostly at night. During the day they often lie at the water’s edge in large numbers, sunning themselves. At night they retreat to the water, where they live solitary lives and establish individual territories.
Which is a physical adaptation of the American alligator?
Physical Adaptations: Alligators are well camouflaged to remain hidden while resting or hunting. The young also have stripes that blend with grass when they are out of the water. Powerful tail used for swimming.
What are the physical features of an alligator?
It has a long armored body with thick scales or bony plates called osteoderms or scutes. It has short, powerful legs and a long, round snout. (The American crocodile has a long, pointed snout.) Its eyes are on the top of its head. When the alligator is in the water,…
What is the species profile of the American alligator?
American Alligator: Species Profile. The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) ranges throughout the southeastern United States, and alligators within Everglades National Park exist at the southern extreme of their range. Alligators primarily inhabit freshwater swamps and marshes and can also be found in rivers, lakes,…
How are alligators different from other reptiles?
Alligators are like other reptiles. They have scaly skin. They lay eggs with shells, and they are cold – blooded. Alligators can grow to be twelve or fourteen feet long and weigh from just a few pounds to more than 2,000 pounds.
How much does a full grown alligator weigh?
An average adult American alligator’s weight and length is 360 kg (790 lb) and 4.0 m (13.1 ft), but they sometimes grow to 4.4 m (14 ft) long and weigh over 450 kg (990 lb).