Why is an Alligator a Reptile? Find Out the Answer and More

 

There’s always been a lot of interest in alligators. Most visitors in Florida can’t escape the presence of this creature. For one, alligators proliferate all over the state. There are around a million gators thriving in the Sunshine State. The alligator is also the official reptile of the state. That in itself should tell you the importance of this animal. It’s surprising but many people are still confused about gators. They don't know where the alligator falls in the order of things. Is it a reptile or an amphibian? This post will answer that.


The alligator is a card-carrying member of the reptile group. Why is an alligator a reptile? Simple. It checks all the boxes that characterize reptiles. For one, they use their lungs to breathe. All reptiles have lungs, even snakes and turtles. While most amphibians have lungs, some have gills. Amphibians also breathe through their skin. This is something gators don’t do.


Alligators are vertebrates. The same as other reptiles. The alligator's habitat is also so different from that of an amphibian. Gators live in wetlands but they spend hours on dry land. Amphibians spend almost all their time in the water. Crocodilian is a family of reptiles. Alligators, caimans, and crocodiles belong to this family. So do gharials. The animals in this family are often massive and have strong jaws. They have elongated and powerful tails. They also have thick skin covered with plates or osteoderms. Gator experts say this reptile can grow over 11feet.

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