ALLIGATOR

The pattern and placement of teeth distinguishes two species of crocodilians: alligators and crocodiles. When the alligator’s mouth is closed, the lower row of teeth projects upwards into a series of pockets in the upper jaw, leaving just the upper teeth visible. When viewed from the side, this gives the alligator the illusion of “smiling.” When the jaws of a crocodile are closed, both rows of teeth are generally displayed, and these intermesh with one another. The larger tooth fourth from the front, which may extend past the line of the upper jaw and give a constricted-on aspect right below the nostrils, is particularly noticeable. As a result, the crocodile’s “smile” looks like a toothy leer.

Alligators can only be found in two places of the world: China’s upper Yangtze River basin and the United States’ south-eastern region. Alligators dig underground dens, some of which are partially filled with water. Collectors use a long stick to probe into the soft dirt along a river bank in order to detect alligators. A female American alligator builds a big pile of mud and plants around 5-7 ft (1:5-2:5 m) wide at the base during egg-laying season in the spring. The female lays 20–70 hard-shelled eggs (3 in (85 cm) by 2 in (6.5 cm) in a cavity in this, then covers them with more detritus and seals them in. After 10 weeks of natural incubation, the peeping of emerging young prompts the female to tear apart the nest and assist in the release of the eight-inch (20 cm) vividly coloured black and yellow young, which then flee to the nearest water and are protected by the female for the next few months. During their first few years, they grow roughly 12 inches (30 cm) per year.

Alligators have been reported to grow to be more than 20 ft (6 individuals) long and weigh more than half a tonne in the past. A specimen of 19 feet (58 metres) was shot in Louisiana a generation ago. Today, 10 ft (m) specimens are uncommon, and 8 ft (2.44 m) individuals are difficult to come by.  CLASS: Reptilia, FAMILY: Alligatoridae , ORDER: Crocodylidae