Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Physical differences
• Part 2 of 3: Examining the natural habitat
• Part 3 of 3: Personality
• Warnings

Alligators and crocodiles are often confused and the names are often used interchangeably. Although they are similar, there are a number of important physical differences that make it easy to tell what a crocodile is and what an alligator is.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Physical differences

1. Look at the muzzle. The easiest way to tell crocodiles and alligators apart is to look at the snout. Alligators have a wide, round, "U" -shaped snout with a large nose, while crocodiles have a long, narrow, pointed, "V" -shaped muzzle and a smaller nose. An alligator's snout is also shorter than that of a crocodile.
   • Due to their wide snouts, alligators can exert more force with their jaws than crocodiles. They can crack hard-shelled prey (such as turtles) much more easily than crocodiles. Crocodiles generally eat more fish and mammals.
2. Watch the teeth. A crocodile's upper and lower jaw are about the same width, so that the teeth can be seen in an interlocking pattern along the entire length of the mouth, even though the crocodile has closed its mouth. However, an alligator has a wider upper jaw and when it closes its mouth, its lower teeth disappear into cavities in the upper jaw. Only the upper teeth can be seen, along the lower jaw.
   • The upper jaw of alligators is wider than the lower jaw, so the upper jaw completely covers the lower jaw. As a result, the teeth in the lower jaw cannot be seen when they close their jaws.
   • The upper and lower jaws of crocodiles are about the same width so that their upper and lower teeth interlock when they close their jaws. As a result, part of their teeth can be seen when they close their mouths. It will almost look like they are laughing, because the fourth tooth is sticking out along the upper lip on both sides of the lower jaw.
3. Watch their bodies. Alligators often have darker skin than crocodiles. Crocodiles usually have lighter skin with an olive green or brown color. Alligators usually have a darker skin with a black-gray color. Crocodiles are also longer than alligators. Full grown crocodiles have an average length of 5.8 meters, while full grown alligators have an average length of 3.4 meters.
   • Full grown alligators weigh an average of 360-450 kg. Crocodiles grow a bit bigger and weigh an average of 450-900 kg.
   • The average lifespan of alligators is 30-50 years, and the average lifespan of crocodiles is 70-100 years.
4. Look at the differences between their legs and feet. Most crocodiles have a jagged edge on their hind legs and feet that alligators don't. In addition, alligators have webbed toes while crocodiles do not.

Part 2 of 3: Examining the natural habitat

1. Investigate whether the animal lives in fresh water. Alligators generally live in freshwater habitats due to their low tolerance to salt. Alligators also sometimes reside in brackish water (salt water mixed with fresh water). Alligators are especially common in brooks and swamps, but you can also find them in rivers, lakes and the like. They like it warm but can also survive in sub-zero temperatures.
2. Investigate whether the animal lives in a tropical climate or in salt water. Unlike alligators, crocodiles have modified salivary glands on their tongues that make them more resistant to salt water. Crocodiles generally live near lakes, rivers, wetlands and certain saltwater areas. They live in tropical climates because they are cold-blooded and therefore cannot produce their own body heat.
3. Find out where in the world the animal is found. Crocodiles can be found mainly in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Alligators live in the southern part of the United States and in China. The United States is the only country with both alligators and crocodiles.
   • American alligators are mainly found in Florida and Louisiana, and to a lesser extent in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Texas.
   • American crocodiles are mainly found in Florida.

Part 3 of 3: Personality

1. Check out how active they are in the water. Crocodiles are generally much more active and spend a lot more time in the water than alligators. Alligators spend most of their time lying in the mud or vegetation around swamps and lakes.
   • Alligators generally lay their eggs in mountain vegetation near fresh water.
   • Crocodiles lay their eggs in slightly drier places, such as in mud or sand.
2. Check out how aggressive they are. Crocodiles are often much more aggressive than alligators. Crocodiles often attack immediately when something comes close to them, while alligators are more likely to wait to attack until they are hungry or feel threatened.
   • Crocodiles behave much more aggressively towards humans in their natural habitat and in zoos than alligators.
3. Check out how fast they are. Both crocodiles and alligators are extremely fast swimmers and can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. On land they are a bit slower and can reach a speed of 18 km / h while running. Because alligators are smaller and therefore less likely to tire, they can usually run longer than crocodiles.

Warnings

• Do not get close to an alligator or crocodile if you are not accompanied by an expert as they can be very aggressive.
• When entering the habitat of an alligator or crocodile, be careful to do so in a way that prevents them from becoming aggressive. Remember that males are even more aggressive during the mating season, in the spring.