Draft #1: Alligators of the Everglades

This discussion topic submitted by Melody Moorehead ( mmoorehead@kingslocal.k12.oh.us) at 9:28 pm on 3/30/01. Additions were last made on Saturday, May 4, 2002.

The American alligator, Alligator mississipiensis, is a reclusive monster that often strikes fear into the hearts of many. This often misunderstood part of the Florida Everglades population has become an extremely valuable aspect of local tourism and economy. This paper will focus on some of the awe inspiring characteristics of this reptile, its importance to Florida's ecology and economy, and the conservation efforts in place to protect it.

Alligators of the Everglades

I. Introduction
A. origin of name
B. human fascination
C. American alligator

II. Evolution
A. archosaurian lineage - only surviving reptiles
B. mostly unchanged for nearly 200 million years

III. Anatomy/Physiology
A. size
B. skull, teeth
C. musculature
D. integument
E. respiratory
F. vocalization

IV. Habitat
A. fresh water to brackish water
- swamps, marshes, lakes, drainage canals
B. southeastern U.S.
- Carolinas to Florida, over to Texas
C. states with highest populations
- Florida and Lousiana

V. Feeding Habits
A. noctournal carnivores
B. diet
C. teeth
- designed for grabbing and holding, not cutting!
- swallows food whole
D. interesting dietary habits!

VI. Reproduction
A. courtship rituals
B. nesting/eggs
C. vulnerability of nests
D. incubation temperature impact on sex
E. vocalization of hatchlings
F. parental instincts

VII. Ecology and Conservation
A. humans only enemy
B. chink in armor - developmental stages
C. protective federal regulations in place
D. conservation due to crocodile resemblance

VIII. Significance to Florida Everglades
A. gator holes
B. predation on trash fish
C. alligator farming
- hides, meat, tourism
D. miniscule danger to residents

IX. Conclusion

References:
1. Integrated Principles of Zoology. Hickman, Roberts, Larson. pp.548-569.
Times Mirror Higher Education Group, Inc. 1997.
2. Five Kingdoms - An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth.
Margulis and Schwartz. pp.328-333. W.H. Freeman and Company. 1998.
Websites:
3. The Gator Hole. http://home.cfl.rr.com/gatorhole/
4. Animal Bytes: American Alligator.
http://www.seaworld.org/animal_bytes/alligatorab.html.
5. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services -
Agrigator's Alligator. http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/AgriGator/gators


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It is 6:43:05 PM on Sunday, May 11, 2008. Last Update: Saturday, May 4, 2002