How long and how heavy can the "living fossil" Chinese alligator grow? Is it a mammal? Where is it distributed?

Chinese alligator, a kind of crocodile unique to China, is one of the smallest crocodile species in the world. Many features of early dinosaur reptiles can still be found in Chinese alligators. So, how long and how heavy can the "living fossil" Chinese alligator grow? Is it a mammal? Where is it distributed?

How long and how heavy can the Chinese alligator grow?

According to the data of Chordata phylum, Chinese alligator can grow 1-2 meters and weigh about 36 kilograms. Their heads are relatively large, and there are more granular and banded lines on the scales. Chinese alligator scales are essentially similar to dermal scales, but their formation is similar to the occurrence of bird feathers.

Is the Chinese alligator a mammal?

Chinese alligator is not a mammal. It is not only ancient, but also a very rare reptile on the verge of extinction. Chinese alligators lay eggs. In early June, Chinese alligators mate in water and are fertilized in vivo. Around the beginning of July, female alligators began to use weeds, dead branches and soil to build round nests in suitable places for laying eggs, each laying between 10 and 30 eggs. The eggs are laid in the grass and covered with weeds, while the female alligator is protected by the natural temperature and hatches for about 60 days. The young alligator came out of its shell in September. Hibernating habits. The egg is grayish white, slightly larger than the egg.

3. Where are the Chinese alligators distributed?

Chinese alligators are mainly distributed in lakes, ponds and swamps in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Chinese alligators like to be quiet, often live in caves during the day and go out to look for food at night. However, it sometimes comes out during the day, especially likes to bask in the sun on the shore and beach near the cave. It often closes its eyes, crawls motionless and is in a half-sleep state, giving people the false impression that they are slow to move. However, once it encounters an enemy or finds food, it will immediately shake its thick tail left and right, and quickly sink to the bottom of the water to avoid the enemy or hunt for food.

The Chinese alligator eats a lot and can store a large amount of absorbed nutrients in the body, because it has a strong ability to withstand hunger and can go through a long period of hibernation, so the Chinese alligator can not eat for a long time.