An American alligator surfaces at Florida's Everglades NP. Alligators are uniquely adapted to the swamp environment. They can remain underwater for long periods of time lasting up to an two hours. They breath in oxygen at the surface and use it during their dives. Their metabolism becomes slower underwater to allow them to retain the oxygen over that period.
An American alligator at Florida's Everglades NP. Alligators are a keystone species of that region and help shape and maintain its ecosystem. They construct small ponds for their nest. These serve as water reservoirs during the dry season and provide habitat to several other species. Alligators also keep other species in check, including introduced ones such as nutria and the Burmese python.
