Vertebrae in alligators change shape and size as they grow up. Researchers studied how different parts of the vertebrae grow in relation to the alligator's body length. They found that most parts grow bigger faster than the body, except for the hole in the middle of the vertebrae. By looking at different growth stages, they discovered six different ways the vertebrae change shape as the alligator grows. These changes can be caused by the alligator's growth, physical limits, or how it moves.