Alligators in the Trees
One of the great things about evolution, is we can sometimes see it at work over very brief periods of time. Rapid, adaptive evolution can be currently observed with Florida Alligators in regards to their tree climbing adaptation. And this is one of those evolutionary strategies where the likely origin is fairly easy to comprehend.
Alligators, as cold blooded reptiles, are frequently seen basking in the sun in order to increase their body temperature. Many will bask on the bank of a river / lake but some bask on logs that have fallen either onto the bank or into the water, since this slight increase in height usually grants an increase in solar radiation that can cover their bodies. Larger gators might push smaller ones out of the way in order to gain the most advantageous positions for basking. Some gators might discover that if they climb logs, or even living tree trunks, that are steeply angled, there is less chance of being displaced by jealous rivals. Several other gators might also discover this tactic, so these proto-climbing gators still compete amongst themselves, driving some of their numbers to climb ever higher.
This process might cease once these climbing gators sort themselves out based on individual comfort levels regarding the heights they are willing to ascend. However, one or more of these gators might then discover a hitherto undiscovered bonus to their elevation: they can more easily spot prey. Not only are they well heated from the sun in their lofty perch, but they are better prepared to take advantage of being able to spot prey sooner by pouncing upon the hapless victim from above - and climbing even higher, allows the spotting of even more prey, sooner. These gators eat more, grow bigger, and have more offspring. Whatever genetic makeup that lent itself to this climbing behavior is passed on. And on and enhanced. And so forth and so on.
Which is why something that was almost unheard of only a few decades ago, is now becoming an increasingly common sight in Florida: alligators in the trees. But might this trend continue further? Of course! Even the best of modern climbing gators are clumsy and awkward, but as more time is spent in trees, physical adaptations might be selected that might previously been of low benefit, such as better claws for grasping, perhaps a prehensile tale, perhaps longer limbs. Perhaps gators cease to merely climb and begin to jump from branch to branch. Perhaps, like with flying squirrels / sugar gliders, individuals with looser skin between their limbs find spreading this allows them a slight gliding advantage so they can jump slightly further. And so forth and so on until we finally reach the fully winged, flying alligator - artist's impression below:
Judging by the current pace of adaptation, we can expect to see this new species of flying alligator fairly soon, by evolutionary standards at least. Perhaps by spring.
creaturesfromelsewhere 12-7-2021
