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Showing posts from March, 2023

Is the Alligator a Reptile or Amphibian? Spot the Difference

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  Have you ever been mistaken for your brother or father? This happens more often than you think. We sometimes bear a striking resemblance to a parent or a sibling. This is due to a shared or common DNA. The idea of common ancestry can be the reason behind the confusion. Some think alligators and crocodiles as being one and the same. Others don’t know if the gator is an amphibian or not. This post will answer those questions. It will also give you a better understanding of this creature. Alligators are not amphibians. Are alligators mammals? No, they are not mammals either. The American alligator is a reptile. Thinking an alligator is an amphibian is an honest mistake. Reptiles and amphibians have some commonalities. For one, they belong to the same phylum. Next, they’re cold-blooded creatures. Both are vertebrates and lay eggs as their form of reproduction. But these shared traits are superficial. Take a close look at these so-called similarities. You’ll see that they still have ...

Top Places Where Alligators Live

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  Swamps and Florida are not the words most people associate together. The Sunshine State is often associated with Universal Studios or Disney World. Visions of Spring Break also come to mind. But swamps are a crucial part of Florida. These wetlands are the sanctuary of its varied wildlife. It’s also where alligators live . There’s this perception that alligators can become found in all corners of the globe. This could be due to its popularity. Millions are now fascinated by this reptile. One study revealed that the American alligator is the seventh most popular reptile. Its likeness to dinosaurs makes this reptile compelling. Their striking color and forbidding look are also reasons behind people’s interest. Would it surprise you to know that the alligator is only found in two countries? China and the United States are the only countries with an alligator presence. This species is almost extinct due to hunting. The destruction of the alligator's habitat is also a reason. There are...

Do Alligators Lay Eggs in Nests or Underwater?

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  Alligators are one of the biggest and meanest-looking animals on the planet. An adult American gator can grow an average of 13 to 15 feet in length and weigh more than 500 pounds. A female gator is a little smaller. They often grow to nine feet and weigh around 200 pounds or more. Their size alone can scare anyone. Add in a jaw full of razor-sharp teeth and a long tail that can pack a punch and you have the stuff of nightmares. Alligators don’t always look this way though. They begin life as eggs. It’s true that alligators lay eggs that are squishy and small enough that any mammal can scoff down for dinner. But alligator moms are very maternal. It’s another surprising detail about this minuscule dinosaur. For those wondering how alligators reproduce, the answer is simple. They mate. Alligators reproduce through sex. The mating season for the American gator starts in the spring. Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it's between May and June. But the courtship ...