American alligator, sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States.
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17 Facts About American alligator
2.
Conservation status of the American alligator is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
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3.
Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
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4.
American alligator was first classified by French zoologist Francois Marie Daudin as Crocodilus mississipiensis in 1801.
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5.
The Chinese American alligator likely descended from a lineage that crossed the Bering land bridge during the Neogene.
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6.
The largest American alligator scientifically verified in Florida for the period from 1977 to 1993 was reportedly 4.
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7.
Whenever an American alligator's mouth is closed, the fourth tooth is no longer visible.
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8.
In 1967, the American alligator was listed as an endangered species, since it was believed to be in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
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9.
Teeth of the American alligator are designed to grip prey, but cannot rip or chew flesh like teeth of some other predators, and depend on their gizzard, instead, to masticate their food.
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10.
The American alligator is capable of biting through a turtle's shell or a moderately sized mammal bone.
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11.
Once an American alligator reaches full size and power in adulthood, any animal living in the water or coming to the water to drink is potential prey.
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12.
An American alligator is able to abduct and adduct the vocal folds of its larynx, but not to elongate or shorten them; yet in spite of this, it can modulate fundamental frequency very well.
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13.
The American alligator can perform specific vocalizations to declare territory, signal distress, threaten competitors, and locate suitable mates.
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14.
Since the late 1880s, American alligator wrestling has been a source of entertainment for some.
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16.
The market for American alligator meat is growing, and about 300,000 pounds of meat are produced annually.
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17.
American alligator is the official state reptile of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
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