Difference between crocodiles and alligators
Main difference
Animals are of interest to everyone. People visiting zoos or television channels like National Geographic develop a need to find more information about the creatures behind bars on television screens. Alligators and crocodiles are two species that have been considered similar for a long time before humans knew the real differences between them. The question about crocodiles and their types comes up very often. There are many differences between these two animals and they will be discussed in detail to give a general idea of how they separate from each other. By their classification, it can be agreed that both belong to different families.There are three main types of animals that are classified according to the differences, and they are called alligators, Crocodylidae and Gavialidae. Alligators belong to the first family while crocodiles belong to the second family. Based on their physical appearance, it is easy to find the difference between them. By looking at their noses it can be easily differentiated, for example an alligator has a rounded nose that gives the impression of the alphabet U while crocodiles have a long triangular nose that gives the idea of the alphabet V when given careful consideration. The round nose of alligators helps them resist pressure and load, and also makes it easier for them to chew their food.In contrast, for crocodiles, their pointed noses do not give them enough strength compared to alligators, but they still help them to bite their prey. Another difference between these two large animals is their teeth. In the case of alligators, they have different jaw sizes, the upper jaw takes over the lower jaw and is larger compared to the lower jaw. For crocodiles, the upper and lower jaws are almost the same size, so they can easily position their teeth with each other. Another main difference is that crocodiles are less hostile while alligators are considered peaceful creatures. Crocodiles have salt glands on their tongue that help them digest food and handle secretions that are not present in alligators. They both also have sensing organs, but they have a different location. There are also many more differences, which can be written. Details of both types are presented in the next two paragraphs. Another main difference is that crocodiles are less hostile while alligators are considered peaceful creatures. Crocodiles have salt glands on their tongues that help them digest food and handle secretions that are not present in alligators. Both also have sensing organs, but they have a different location.There are also many more differences, which can be written. Details of both types are presented in the next two paragraphs. Another main difference is that crocodiles are less hostile while alligators are considered peaceful creatures. Crocodiles have salt glands on their tongues that help them digest food and handle secretions that are not present in alligators. Both also have detection organs, but they have a different location. There are also many more differences, which can be written. Details of both types are presented in the next two paragraphs.
Alligator | Alligator | |
Family | Crocodylidae | Alligatoridae |
Location | It is found most abundantly in Africa. | Found in coastal areas of America |
Life expectancy | They have a longer lifespan of 100 years. | They have a useful life of 50 years. |
Jaw position | Jaw that is triangular in shape and looks like V | They have round textured jaws that look like a U. |
Definition of crocodile
Crocodiles belong to the crocodile family and are subcategorized as Crocodylidae. They are mainly found in Africa and some parts of Australia, while they also have a presence in America. Crocodiles prefer to live in areas that are warmer and prefer the sea and rivers. The main way to discover a crocodile is by looking at its nose, which is shaped like the alphabet V and has jaws that are the same size and that helps them bite their prey. They are generally considered dangerous, but in reality they are the least vulnerable in their family. As they are carnivores, they prefer to eat the meat of different animals and even human beings. They are found in different colors of brown and greenish brown and are lazy. They have an age range of 70 to 100 years and can survive without food for a long time due to their slower movement. They are in different sizes. The smallest can measure more than 1 meter while the largest can measure up to 6 meters and weigh around 900 kilos.
Definiiton of Alligator
Alligators belong to the same family as crocodiles, but they belong to a different subgroup known as the Alligatoridae. They are found primarily in the coastal regions of the southern United States and are black in color. Their distinctive feature is that they have a rounded nose that looks like the alphabet U. Their life expectancy is shorter than that of other members of their family and they can live up to 50 years. They have a wide upper jaw that is larger than the lower one, thus overshadowing the one below. They can withstand greater pressure and can easily swallow their prey with the help of their mouths. They eat meat, but they can also consume other types of food. They are smaller in size compared to others and can measure up to 3.5 meters maximum.
- The main difference between crocodiles and alligators is that they belong to different scientific families, Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae respectively.
- They also differ in their colors; crocodiles are blackish gray, while alligators are brown.
- Alligators are more hostile compared to crocodiles, which is against the usual
- The salt glands in crocodiles work properly, but the salt glands in alligators don’t work.
- They both have different forms of sense organs in their bodies.
- Crocodiles have a jaw that is triangular in shape and looks like a V, but alligators have jaws that are round in texture and look like a U.
- Crocodiles have the same upper and lower jaw size, while alligators have a larger upper jaw and smaller lower jaw.
- Crocodiles prefer to live in healthy waters such as the sea or rivers, while alligators prefer to live in salty waters and even oceans.
- Alligators are found in the coastal areas of America, while crocodiles are found most abundantly in Africa.
- Crocodiles have a longer lifespan compared to alligators, which are 100 to 50 years respectively.
Final Thought
These two terms have been confused with each other and the reasons for this could be legitimate as they are both similar. But there are still many differences between them that can be explained here in a proper way so that readers can know what exactly the differences are between them and what is common between the two species.