Question

This South American crocodilian was imported when the American Alligator became a protected species:

A) Caiman.
B) Gharial.
C) Saltwater Crocodile.
D) Nile Crocodile.

Answer 1

The Caiman is the South American crocodilian imported due to the protected status of the American Alligator. Caimans are part of the Crocodilia order and native to South America, distinguished from options like the Gharial and Nile Crocodile which are native to other regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The South American crocodilian imported when the American Alligator became a protected species is the Caiman. The American Alligator is a species that falls under the Crocodilia order, which also includes crocodiles, gharials, and caimans. The Crocodilia order is known to inhabit regions such as South America, Africa, Southern Florida, Asia, and Australia, and these reptiles spend most of their time in aquatic habitats.

All members of the Crocodilia order are carnivorous and have been observed using ambush tactics to capture prey. They provide parental care for their offspring as well. Unlike the other choices provided in the question, such as the Gharial, Saltwater Crocodile, and Nile Crocodile, the Caiman is native to South America and was the species imported as a result of the conservation status of the American Alligator.