Introduction
Organism Introduction
The American crocodiles are commonly known as alligators or true crocodiles. The species are also termed as Crocodylus actutus by most scientists. The American crocodile discussed was observed in the lowlands of Florida in Florida Game Park. The researcher chose the organism since of the four extant species, the American crocodile stands out as the most extensive reptile. Second, the American crocodile covers the largest population of crocodiles within most parks in America. According to Barbour (2016), there exists over two thousand American crocodiles hosted in America thus, making the organisms easily accessible and observable. Last, the Crocodylus actutus was selected since the species are widely recognized for their surprise attacks due to the animal’s perfect camouflage with the environment.
The Body
Description
With close observation, the American crocodiles are quadruped organism with ears, eyes and nostrils positioned on the head’s top. Cole and Roberts (2002) explained that the American crocodiles are of moderate size although some grow longer. Notably, with their bodies submerged under water, the American crocodiles can swim at a high speed due to the animal’s strong and powerful tails. Richards (2003 reported that most adult American crocodiles are grayish-green on their tails and backs while the underside is white-yellowish. Male American crocodiles measure about four meters with a maximum weight of 382kg while the female crocodiles measure three meters with 173kg weight.
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Life Cycle and Reproduction
The American crocodiles have the potential to live for 100 years. During production, female Crocodylus actutus establish a nest prior to mating ( Linde, 2011) . Once mating is over, eggs are laid and separated to prevent breakage. As hatching approaches, the mother frequently places her head on the nest to listen for noise from the young ones. The mother then aids hatchlings once the young crocodiles are uncovered. The young are escorted from the hatching site to water where they disperse quickly on their own. However, American crocodiles have high rate of mortality owing to their vulnerability during hatching size.
Structure and Function
The most interesting organ in the selected crocodile species is the powerful tail that helps American crocodiles swim faster. The crocodile tail is flattened to push against water by providing large surface area. As reported by Cole and Roberts (2002), physically, the crocodile tends to move in an s-shape pattern to facilitate production of thrust used in swimming.
Energy Ecology
The American crocodiles in Florida prey for fish from freshwater, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and animals . The type of fish that American crocodiles feed on include bass, tarpon and mullet. Shang and Mazzotti (2006) explained that crocodiles tend to eat large quantities of food especially animals from freshwater. The crocodiles manipulate animals’ crossing over a river by submerging itself underwater to hide.
Habitat
The habitat for well-known reptiles especially crocodiles is in wide ranges of aquatic environment. Most Crocodylus actutus inhabit freshwater such as rivers and reservoirs. However, there is a certain population of the American crocodiles that inhabit saltwater environments. Shang and Mazzotti (2006) asserted that whenever the American crocodiles are vulnerable to low water levels, they tend to establish burrows that protect them from cold weather.
Conclusion
The American crocodiles also known as Crocodylus actutus are quadruped organisms with moderate size. The American crocodiles have a longer life span of at least 100years. The species life begins when an egg is laid, hatched with the mother’s help and finally taken out to disperse in water. American crocodiles play an important ecological role in balancing complex life web in freshwater ecosystem.
References
Cole, H., and Roberts, S. (2002). Crocodiles . Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Barbour, T. 2016. The crocodile in Florida . Occasional Papers of the University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology. 131:1-6.
Richards, P. M. (2003). The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in Florida: Conservation issues and population modeling .
Linde, B. M. (2011). The life cycle of a crocodile . New York: Gareth Stevens Pub.
Shang, Z. and Mazzotti, F (2006). The Role of the American Crocodile ( Crocodylus acutus ) as an Indicator of Ecological Change in Everglades Ecosystems . Poster presented at the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Conference. Orlando, FL.
