Final answer:
In a hypothetical scenario where alligators lived in complete darkness, they might develop night vision as an adaptation. Real alligators cool themselves by increasing vasodilation, not by sweating, as they lack sweat glands. Crocodiles, relatives of alligators, have advanced sensory organs that allow them to thrive in low-light conditions, suggesting that alligators could naturally adapt to darkness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The myth of alligators in sewers developing particular adaptations due to lack of sunlight is not based in scientific fact. However, in a hypothetical scenario where an alligator never saw the sun and lived in complete darkness, they might be expected to develop night vision as an adaptation to their environment. Evolutionarily, animals that are native to environments with little to no light, such as caves or the deep sea, often develop enhanced senses like night vision. This helps them to navigate and hunt in the absence of light.
American alligators that get too hot can cool themselves by increasing vasodilation, which means their blood vessels widen to allow more blood to flow near the surface of the skin, thus releasing heat. This is a physiological process that can be observed in many animals, including humans. As they do not have sweat glands, they cannot sweat to cool down like humans do.
Crocodiles, which are closely related to alligators, are known to have advanced sensory organs. They have good vision day and night and a nictitating membrane to protect their eyes underwater. They can sense vibrations and pressure changes in the water due to their sensory pits, which are especially useful in dark environments. These adaptations allow them to detect prey or danger even in the absence of light, showing that crocodiles, and by extension alligators, are naturally equipped to handle low-light conditions.