Abstract This paper describes various aspects of the American alligator including the regions it inhabits, the type of climate it favors, its primary habitat and its origins. It also looks discusses the threat posed to alligators by humans and what the government has done to try to protect them from extinction.
From the Paper "The American alligator is a cold-blooded member of the reptile family. The American alligator got its name from Spanish explorers who named it "el largarto," which means "the lizard." Since the body temperature of the alligator is the same as the temperature around it, the American alligator lives only in the southeastern states of America. Since that's in the vicinity of the Mississippi, the American alligator's scientific name is alligator mississippiensis, although the highest populations of alligators are found in Florida and Louisiana. In Florida, alligators are found in almost every body of water, with the highest concentrations being in the Central and South regions. Prime alligator habitats are swamps, marshes, lakes, and drainage canals. Alligators prefer a climate that is warm, wet, light and cool, and always stay near their body of water. The American alligator prefers fresh water to salt water."
This paper explores the adaptive and biological alterations of the crocodile species over millions of years and analyzes its prehistoric, historic and recent distribution patterns.
Abstract This paper explains that crocodiles, which are now cold-blooded reptiles that seek water, were once, during their earliest prehistoric days, warm-blooded creatures that walked on land. The author points out that this transformation is observable in changes in the Crocodilian body over time. The paper relates that it is not known why crocodiles grew to accommodate to a water-based environment, but their adaptations helped them survive the Ice Age. The author states that, having once dominated both arid and water regions, today, crocodiles gravitate toward regions, which provide access to water; however, warming global climate conditions and human interference have reduced their numbers to dangerous levels. The paper relates that several small communities of crocodiles living on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Africa may be a sign of things to come.
Table of Contents:
Outline
Introduction
The Developmental History of Crocodiles
Motivators for Adaptation
Distribution Over the Ages
Conclusion
From the Paper "The reason for near-extinction of the Florida Crocodile, the Cuban Crocodile and other Crocodilian species is typically owing to environmental and climate changes (i.e. loss of ample wetlands) and loss of habitat due to human development. In Florida in particular, the building of human homes on areas which were once crocodile habitats have affected the nesting range and distribution of crocodiles. True to their modern adaptations and features, crocodiles gravitate towards the remaining wet, swampy regions. However, awareness of their vulnerability has lead to recent conservations acts that have been mostly successful."
