According to one source the American alligator has 76 bones in its body including 22 in the head (8 in the skull and 14 in the jaws) 2 in the neck 40 in the trunk and 10 in the tail.1 Another source reports that the American alligator has 74 bones including 22 in the head (8 in the skull and 14 in the jaws) 2 in the neck 36 in the trunk and 14 in the tail.2 This same source reports that the Chinese alligator has 72 bones including 22 in the head (8 in the skull and 14 in the jaws) 2 in the neck 34 in the trunk and 14 in the tail.3
1Gemmell J. B. (1998). “The osteology of Alligator mississippiensis Daudin 1801 (Reptilia Crocodylia)”. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 122 (3): 339–386. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1998.tb00532.x.
2Gower D. J. (2002). A Natural History of Crocodiles. London: Greenwood Press. p. 18. ISBN 978-0-313-31397-5.
3Vliet Kent A. (2008). Crocodilians. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 177. ISBN 978-0-8018-8804-5.
How many bones does an alligator have?
Alligators have 207-214 bones in their body.
How many cervical vertebrae does an alligator have?
Alligators have 13-15 cervical vertebrae.
How many vertebrae make up the alligator’s tail?
The alligator’s tail is made up of 35-45 vertebrae.
How long is an alligator’s tail?
An alligator’s tail can be anywhere from 2/3 to 1 1/3 the length of its entire body.
How many bones are in an alligator’s head?
There are 29-34 bones in an alligator’s head.
How many teeth does an alligator have?
Alligators have 80- 92 teeth in their mouths.
How often do alligators lose their teeth?
Alligators can lose a tooth every week and can go through 3000 teeth in their lifetime.
How many times can an alligator open and close its jaws per second?
An alligator can open and close its jaws about 5 times per second.
What is the average lifespan of an alligator?
The average lifespan of an alligator is 30-50 years.
How fast can an alligator run on land?
Alligators can run up to 11 mph on land but only for a very short distance.
How fast can an alligator swim?
Alligators can swim at a speed of 20 mph.
How deep can an alligator dive?
Alligators can dive up to depths of 15 feet.
How long can an alligator stay underwater?
Alligators can stay underwater for up to 2 hours.
What is the average weight of an alligator?
The average weight of an alligator is 1000-1400 pounds.
What is the average length of an alligator?
The average length of an alligator is 11-14 feet.
