American Alligator, by Ed Good

sketchfab

The American alligator is a powerful reptile native to the United States, having thrived here for over 8 million years. As an ecosystem engineer, it plays a crucial role in shaping marsh and wetland habitats. At the top of its food chain, this apex predator feeds on a diverse array of prey items. As A. mississippiensis matures, its diet undergoes significant changes, which are reflected in the unique shape of its teeth; younger individuals have sharp teeth ideal for catching insects and small fish, while mature adults possess broad, strong teeth capable of withstanding impacts from bone. A. mississippiensis boasts an incredibly powerful bite force of 9,452N, a record that stood until recently as the strongest recorded animal bite.