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P1248711745RaVCE
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The alligator is derived from a Spanish word 'el lagarto' which means lizard. ... though alligators are classified as reptiles along with lizards, snakes, and ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation
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Title: P1248711745RaVCE
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Alligator Mississippians
By Nereida Pizano Alex Perez Claudia Buruato
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Alligator History
- Alligator Habitat Distribution
- How Alligators Reproduce
- Alligator Behaviors
- Alligator Description
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Introduction
- The alligator is a large, semi-aquatic, armored
reptile that is related to the crocodile. - The alligator is derived from a Spanish word el
lagarto which means lizard. - Body length 6-14 ft.
- The American Alligator was once on the verge of
extinction but it has made a tremendous come-back
over the past 30 yrs. - Almost black in color, the American alligator has
a prominent eyes and nostrils with coarse scales
over the entire body.
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Background Information
- Alligators emerge from brumation in March.
- American alligators normally avoid humans, but
the American alligators can become perceived as a
nuisance when they establish territories around
ppl.
- Alligators are mostly inactive from mid-October
until early March
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Alligator History
- The most current information indicates that
alligators evolved from a common ancestor with
dinosaurs that fore-dates the common ancestor
that they share with other reptiles. So, even
though alligators are classified as reptiles
along with lizards, snakes, and turtles, they are
actually more closely related to birds, whose
ancestors were dinosaurs.
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Distribution and Habitats
- Southern United States-Alabama, Arkansas, North
South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas. - Freshwater swamps and marshes (primary). Also,
rivers, lakes, and smaller bodies of water.
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Alligator Sites
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RePrOdUcTiOn
- Sexual Maturity is dependent on the size of gator
- Both sexes communicate using aural, visual,
tactile, and olfactory cues. - After mating, females construct mounded nests of
whatever vegetation is available. - As young alligators get ready to hatch in
mid-August though mid-September, they begin to
make high pitched, grunting sounds.
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Breeding
- In the wild, it takes about 10-12 yrs for sexual
maturity, however in captivity, under ideal
conditions, alligators can reach sexual maturity
sooner - In order to reproduce, temperatures must be at a
specific degree (the courtship rituals, which
occur when the temperatures rise in spring it
earlier further south).
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Behaviors and Activities
- Alligators are carnivores. (but baby alligators
eat insects, snails, and other invertebrates). - Females usually have small territories.
- Young alligators stay were they hatched up until
they are about 2-3 years old. - Alligators are basically opportunistic feeders
and will eat almost anything, including such
objects as sticks, stones, fishing lures and
aluminum cans.
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Description
- Adult males typically reach 4 to 4.5 meters
- Females reach lengths of just under 3 meters
- Snout characteristically broad
- When mouth is closed, the edge of upper jaw
overlaps teeth in the lower jaw. - Bony nasal bridge is present
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Extra Info
- First two years most critical in life of an
alligator - In 1987 the American Alligator became the
official reptile of the state of Florida - American alligators are probably the best studied
species of crocodilian - Alligators have been shown to be an important
part of their ecosystem
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Conclusion
- In conclusion, alligators are indeed a
fascinating specie. While observing the
alligators in the water one might think all they
do is lie around catching sun rays but they are
truly an interesting topic. We as humans must do
the best we can to help out fellow friends the
Alligator mississippians in order for them to
stay away from the verge of extinction.
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CREDITS
- http//www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/wild/reptiles/a
mericanAlligator - http//www.agrigator.ifas.ufl.edu/gators/
- http//www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/britto
ncrocs/csp_amis.html
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THANK
YOU
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