Juvenile American Alligators (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption Scientists have long believed that American alligators like these evolved certain muscles to help them breathe. But a new University of Utah study suggests that the muscles first evolved so alligators could move their lungs around inside their bodies, using the lungs as floatation airbags to help them dive, roll sideways and otherwise maneuver despite a lack of fins or flippers. Credit Hannah Chirillo Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.