We all know that reptiles come in all shapes and sizes. This extends to little geckos to a Komodo dragon but most shocking is that sometimes reptiles can have the same abilities or adaptations no matter the size. This is shone when we notice that alligators have the same abilities as a lizard which is to be able to regrow its tail.

        Well, there’s further information to it than just being told that alligators can regrow their tails. Science Daily states, “Scientists have discovered that young alligators have the ability to regrow their tails up to three-quarters of a foot about 18 percent of their total body length. The researchers speculate that this ability to regrow tails gives the alligators a functional advantage in their murky aquatic habitats.” This can explain why alligators have the same function as a lizard but this function is used to give the alligator an advantage in the swampy biomes.

            Another stunning thing about this feature is that this regenerating ability allows the alligator to grow back their muscles and all their blood vessels. As we see in this article from CNN it states that “ “The regrown skeleton was surrounded by connective tissue and skin but lacked any skeletal muscle (which lizard tails do regenerate with),” Kenro Kusumi, co-senior study author and professor and director of ASU’s School of Life Sciences and associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, told CNN.” This information can allow scientists to learn more of the features of an alligator.

            One thing that this can benefit us humans is that scientists can find a way to help people regenerate or heal wounds faster with this knowledge. For example from one of CNN’s articles state that “We know that humans — who are incapable of regenerating — have the same cells and pathways being used to regenerate in these other animals,” Jeanne Wilson-Rawls, co-senior study author and associate professor with ASU’s School of Life Sciences, told CNN.” Also again from CNN News it states that “If this very large long-limbed animal has this ability, can we take advantage of this to help people who have lost limbs or burn victims who need skin regeneration?” We all can now conclude that maybe in the future we can be able to create a medication that allows you to heal your wounds faster.

               Although scientists have discovered this information that doesn’t mean that they will be able to examine this feature and just create a medication with this. This may take years from now.