Are alligators dinosaurs? Well, sort of. They definitely look like dinosaurs and they haven’t changed much over time!
Whether you’re looking at an alligator in a zoo or in the wild, it’s easy to let your mind wander to prehistoric times. Alligators just have that prehistoric look! They definitely look like dinosaurs and it would be easy to picture them in a Jurassic Park movie.
So, the question that keeps popping up is, “Are alligators dinosaurs?”
First, we must establish the criteria of what a dinosaur is.
What Are Dinosaurs?
Any chiefly terrestrial, herbivorous or carnivorous reptile of the extinct orders Saurischia and Ornithischia, from the Mesozoic Era, certain species of which are the largest known land animals.
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Basically, that means that to be classified as a dinosaur, it must be extinct.
Are Alligators Dinosaurs?
Since we have alligators in Arkansas, I can assure you that they are not extinct.
The interesting thing about alligators, though, is that even though they are not dinosaurs, they haven’t changed much over time!
Alligators are what many call “living dinosaurs.” Looking at them is almost like looking back in time.
In an article from the Institute for Creation Research, they stated, “Space does not allow discussion of modern amphibians (e.g., frogs, toads), reptiles (crocodiles, alligators, turtles), mammals (bats, squirrels, shrews, opossums, tarsiers, etc.), all of which (and many, many others) are practically identical with their fossil representatives.“ source
Where to Find “Living Dinosaurs”
If you want to see a “living dinosaur,” all you have to do is head on over to the Arkansas Post National Memorial or Millwood Lake in Southern Arkansas.
Over a dozen alligators in lengths up to 14 feet can be found in the waters of Arkansas Post National Memorial. -source
You’ll also like this: Does the Arkansas River have alligators?
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