Similar Websites About the American Alligator The American alligator uses many thermoregulatory mechanisms to maintain optimal physiological function. The alligator's ability to acclimatize its biological reactions, behavioral adaptations, and regulation of blood flow and cardiac output enable the alligator to thermoregulate. An interesting proposition is the consideration of alligators as ectothermic poikilotherms because of their ability to change biological rates and withstand fluctuations in temperature (Smith, 1979). These mechanisms allow the alligator to assume its position as an apex predator and affect its ecological niche. Thus, the thermoregulation of alligators is a large determinant of their survival and is worthy of future research. The following links are to other sites that discuss the American alligator.
The National Geographic: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/american-alligator/
The US Fish and Wildlife Service: http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=C000
Texas Parks and Wildlife: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/americanalligator/
Niche and Ecological Implications
For any questions, please contact me at niorobello@davidson.edu |
