Estimating Body Size and Biogeography in the Genus Alligator

Several studies have examined correlations between total body length (TL) and skeletal measurements in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), with some measurements serving as stronger predictors of TL than others. Femur length (FL) has been found to be tightly correlated with TL in A. mississippiensis, and this relationship has been used to estimate body size of extinct crocodilians. This thesis demonstrates that the humerus, radius, ulna, and tibia are also strongly correlated with TL and useful for body size estimation in A. mississippiensis, and thus, can be applied to related extinct crocodilians. Additionally, species distribution modeling was used to compare present-day and Pliocene habitat suitability for A. mississippiensis. Temperature was identified as the primary driver of suitable habitat, and warmer Pliocene conditions supported broader northern ranges than today. These results provide context for long-term ecological responses in Alligator.