The reptiles of history
Inside the Darwin there are two specimens of the American alligator (
Alligator mississippiensis ), extraordinary predators with their armored bodies, muscular tails and powerful jaws. They have very ancient origins: they evolved, in fact, more than 150 million years ago and 65 million years ago they managed to avoid extinction, unlike their prehistoric contemporaries, the dinosaurs.
Mississippi alligators live almost exclusively in rivers, lakes, and swamps in the southern United States, particularly in Florida and Louisiana.
These reptiles, heavy out of the water, are excellent swimmers. Males on average have a length between 3 and 4.6 m and can weigh up to 450 kg. Females reach a maximum of 3 meters in length.