What part of the scientific name *Alligator mississippiensis* refers to the river basin where it was first scientifically documented?

Answer

mississippiensis

The specific epithet, *mississippiensis*, denotes the great river basin along which the species was initially documented scientifically.

What part of the scientific name *Alligator mississippiensis* refers to the river basin where it was first scientifically documented?
animalclassificationalligatorreptile