Another distinguishing feature between the crocodile and alligator is their color. Alligators, meanwhile, have much wider snouts. Mistaking an alligator for a crocodile and vice versa is fairly common. It can be difficult for inexperienced people to tell the difference between an American crocodile and the other native crocodilian, the more common American alligator. How to tell the difference. The alligator’s snout is wider and in its lower part it has a U-shape, instead, the crocodile’s snout is thinner and in its lower part, we can observe a V-shaped. Alligators are more hostile as compared to crocodiles, which is against the usual As the human population continues to spread out, alligators and crocodiles increasingly appear in human environments. Alligators and crocodiles are closely related, this explains why they look so similar. Less consistent differences: Crocodiles are generally thought of as more aggressive than alligators. Crocodiles are large semi-aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the America and Australia. The two reptile groups are close relatives, so their physical similarities are expected. Unlike their alligator cousins, crocodiles can live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Within the Crocodilian order, their family is known as Crocodylidae. Both crocodiles and alligators are carnivores with slow metabolisms. In addition, you can tell them apart by their sizes with the crocodiles being the bigger of the two. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. An alligator’s snout is broader, more rounded, and U shaped, whilst the crocodile’s snout is longer, narrower, more pointed and V shaped. Now that you're an expert on alligator–crocodile differences, it's time to learn even more about the animal kingdom. Then read our expert guide to the AP Biology test for tips to help you ace the exam. Crocs and alligators are different colors too: crocodiles are olive-brown and alligators are dark-brown or dark green. All rights reserved. It is found in small bodies of water on the lower Yangtze River. Alligators are found in fresh water whereas crocodiles live in both fresh and salt water. The key difference between a crocodile and an alligator lies in their physics appearance. Alligators tend to be darker in color than crocodiles; alligators are dark blackish-grey, whereas crocodiles are light tan or olive color. The following are some of the major differences between the two: Size and Weight: Both alligators and crocodiles are massive reptiles. One notable difference is located on the hind legs of both crocodiles and alligators. Alligator vs Crocodile: Alligator was discovered 38 million years ago. The Appearance of an Alligator vs. a Crocodile. You’d probably describe the snout of a croc to be around a v-shape. Although both alligators and crocodiles are crocodilians, they are two distinctly different reptiles. This is another difference between these reptiles and crocodiles, which have a fully carnivorous diet. The smallest species (dwarf crocodile) can measure about 6 feet in length and weigh around 13 to 15 pounds, whereas the largest species (saltwater crocodile) can measure more than 20 feet in length and weigh close to 2,000 pounds! Global map showing where crocodilians can be found (Gretarsson/Wikimedia Commons). The first is the shape of the snout. A rare albino alligator swimming Alligators, much like birds, have been shown to exhibit unidirectional movement of air through their lungs. This means they are at the top of their food chains and are vital to maintaining a habitat’s biodiversity. Alligators and crocodiles have different colors. Main Difference between Alligator and Crocodile. Crocodiles are different from alligators in this sense, where both upper and lower jaws of a crocodile are the same size, exposing their teeth as they interlock, creating the look of a toothy grin. The snout of the crocodiles is long narrow and V-shaped while the snout f the alligator is wide and U shaped. Alligator Vs. Crocodile: Here’s a Detailed Comparison With Pictures. Notable Differences Between Alligator And Crocodile 1. Alligators are found in only two places in the world; the southeastern United States and in China. Let’s talk living arrangements. In this article, we’ll explain the main difference between alligator and crocodile species, as well as where you can find them, what they eat, and their relationship with humans. Alligators are more hostile as compared to crocodiles, which is against the usual While they’ve been around for millions of years, human encroachment and hunting have left many types of crocodiles and alligators endangered. Coloring. Differences between crocodiles and alligators. They all have the same basic appearance and, like the turtles and terrapins, they are all amphibious. It’s speculated that the difference in snout shape is due to the difference in diet. These animals are semiaquatic (able to live on both land and water) and are known to be excellent stealth hunters with keen vision and powerful jaws. The alligator’s snout is wider and in its lower part it has a U-shape, instead, the crocodile’s snout is thinner and in its lower part, we can observe a V-shaped. When alligators have algae growth on … Alligators are known to have darker hides than crocodiles, often appearing black or dark gray in color. You’ll also tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator thanks to their snouts. Read Online Alligators And Crocodiles creating the look of a toothy grin. Family: Alligators and crocodiles are from the same scientific order but from different families. Within the Crocodilian order, their family is known as Alligatoridae. Alligator snouts are also shorter than crocodile snouts. 4. Meanwhile, several other crocodile species are considered vulnerable. In alligators it’s broad and U-shaped, while in crocodiles it’s narrow and V-shaped. Crocodile‘s first recorded use was around 1250–1300, and it comes from the Greek krokódeilos (“crocodile”). Like all reptiles, crocodilians are cold-blooded and use their environment to help regulate their body temperature (e.g,. The main difference between crocodiles and alligators is that they belong to different scientific families, Crocodylidae, and Alligatoridae respectively. Here's the full list of alligator vs crocodile species: All crocodilians have roughly the same physiology: a lizard-like body and a tough, scaly skin, with an elongated snout and tails (flattened sideways). Adult crocodiles are usually tan or brown, while the alligators typically have a color that is dark gray to black. There is also an important difference in dental pieces and jaw structure. Most people confuse the alligators and crocodiles, as they are both huge, scaly lizards of prey. Difference between Alligator and Crocodile Key difference: Alligators are darker in color, nearly black with a u-shaped snout. She has a dual-degree Master's from Sciences Po School of Journalism in Paris, and earned her Bachelor’s in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Differences Between Crocodiles and Alligators. Read the following article to understand how the distinction can be done with just a couple of minutes of observation. When they aren’t racing for food, alligators start mating in the late spring and continue into the summer (April-June). 3. Often, when people use the word \"crocodile\" what they really mean is \"crocodilian.\" This term encompasses not just the common alligators and crocodiles you might already know, but also the lesser known Gavialidae family that contains the lone gavial, or gharial. Difference between alligators and crocodiles. 1. Caiman vs Alligator vs Crocodile. And last—but definitely not least—is behavior. Comparison Table Between Crocodile and Alligator (in Tabular Form) These tunnels help protect them from extreme temperatures (hot and cold). Climate change threatens the freshwater habitats of alligators, as the rise in sea levels could inundate freshwater sources with saltwater. Unlike alligators, crocodile snouts are long, narrow, and pointed (or "V-shaped"). Includes distribution and habitat information (plus maps), photographic images and head drawings, plus biology, ecology and conservation information in an easy to navigate format. Alligators and crocodiles share plenty of similarities, but there are actually key differences between them. In contrast, crocodiles live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats throughout the tropical Americas, Africa, and Asia. Airboat rides with Captain Mitch are a fantastic way to see both American alligators and American crocodiles from the safety of a boat. Nevertheless, crocodiles and alligators aren’t immune to being hunted. But the families they belong to, Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae respectively, differ. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. These snouts are great for cracking through the variety of prey that crocodiles around the world eat. crocodile and alligator they both belong to reptile class there are very minor differences in crocodile vs alligator crocodiles have long and sharp jaw with sharp teeth on the other hand alligator have a short jawline and alligator is short in length. Global map showing where crocodilians can be found, it's time to learn even more about the animal kingdom, Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, camel spider myths and the truth behind them, Slender-Snouted (Crocodylus cataphractus). Alligators are found in southern parts of U.S.A and China while crocodiles are found all over the world. Crocodiles also have toothy smiles when they close their mouths: teeth from both the top and bottom parts of their mouths can be seen. She has spent several years working in higher education- including as an English teacher abroad and as a teaching assistant in science writing at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. Alligators are similar to crocodiles and caimans; for their common characteristics and differences among them, see Crocodilia. Crocodile‘s first recorded use was around 1250–1300, and it comes from the Greek krokódeilos (“crocodile”). How to tell the difference. Alligator vs Crocodile: What’s the Difference? While perceived as quite solitary creatures, crocodiles will join forces for hunting and raising their babies; they are even known to form long-term relationships with one another! Crocodilians – that’s the family name of both alligators and crocodiles. The two reptiles also differ in location. They have four limbs (legs) that are small in comparison to their overall bodies; webbed toes; and ears, nostrils, and eyes that sit on top of their heads. One of the biggest differences between the alligator and the crocodile can be seen in the snout. How are we supposed to tell them apart? In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. We gave you some fun alligator vs crocodile facts, and now it’s time for a few more fun FAQs on the differences between alligators and crocodiles How fast can an alligator run? For those studying animals in biology, we’ve got you covered with our complete guide to animal cells. From a distance, it’s not too difficult to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile when looking at the shape of the snout and visibility of the teeth. Alligators and crocodiles are known as "apex predators." ), A Chinese alligator (Daiju Azuma/Wikimedia Commons). Alligators and crocodiles can reach speeds upwards of 20 miles per hour in the water and can stay submerged for an hour at a time. Alligators can live anywhere from 30 to 50 years in the wild, although some in captivity have been estimated to live upwards of 70 years. The former are blackish, while the latter are olive brown. Crocodiles have long, narrow, V-shaped snouts, while those of alligators are wider and U-shaped. In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth. Next are the teeth. In terms of physical differences, observing the snout — the mouth and nose — is one of the simplest ways to distinguish between a crocodile and an alligator. It’s probably a gator. An alligator's broad snout is built for strength to … The Chinese alligator is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. When alligators close their mouths, usually only teeth from the top part of their mouths are visible. At first glance, if you’ve ever seen an alligator or crocodile, they may look very similar. A Comprehensive Guide. Therefore, alligators and caimans thrive in temperate climates. While alligators appear dark in complexion, crocodiles are usually a lighter brown, green, or gray. Most people confuse the alligators and crocodiles, as they are both huge, scaly lizards of prey. Interestingly, crocodiles have their own social hierarchy based on size and height (the largest one wins! Alligators' main distinguishing feature is their wide, U-shaped snouts, which help them crack through tough shells of prey. This extraordinary ancient group is consider… Gray or black? At first glance, if you’ve ever seen an alligator or crocodile, they may look very similar. There is also an important difference in dental pieces and jaw structure. Hence, this group is considered as one of the oldest groups that have lived on … Thus, it's easy to spot the differences between crocodile and alligator skin simply by looking for the tell-tale dots. Among the crocodiles considered critically endangered are the Cuban, Orinoco, and Philippine. In terms of physical differences, observing the snout — the mouth and nose — is one of the simplest ways to distinguish between a crocodile and an alligator.Crocodiles have long, narrow, V-shaped snouts, while those of alligators are wider and U-shaped. Check out our chart below for a quick recap on alligator–crocodile differences and similarities. There are actually quite a number of big differences between crocodiles and alligators, making them quite easy to tell apart. Unlike alligators, crocodile snouts are long, narrow, and pointed (or "V-shaped"). Between 20 and 25 fatal alligator attacks have occurred in Florida over the years, but not one fatal crocodile attack has ever been recorded here. From a distance, it’s not too difficult to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile when looking at the shape of the snout and visibility of the teeth. Alligators and crocodiles, both commonly known as crocodilians, are some of the most powerful and intriguing creatures on the planet. As is typical of apex predators (such as big cats, killer whales, and humans), these reptiles have no natural predators. Alligator vs Crocodile: Alligator was discovered 38 million years ago. Both alligators and crocodiles are members of the reptilian order Crocodylia. Crocodiles are large semi-aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the America and Australia. 2. They’ve been around for about 200 million years—even outliving the dinosaurs! Alligators are also known to dig "gator holes" in the dirt or mud when the weather gets to be too much. The teeth on the upper jaw of the alligator is exposed when its mouth is closed. Main Difference – Alligator vs Crocodile Crocodilians, which include crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials are the reptiles that first appeared on earth about 210 million years ago. Although both alligators and crocodiles are crocodilians, they are two distinctly different reptiles. All told, … An alligator has even jaws hiding all but a little of its upper teeth. ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? As for alligators, Chinese alligators are critically endangered; you’re more likely to see one in the zoo than in the wild, where reportedly fewer than 130 of them are left. Gray or black? Differences Between Alligators and Crocodiles by hanging out in the sun to get warm, slipping into the shade or water to cool down etc.). Crocodiles, on the whole, have narrower noses. So how can you tell the difference between alligator and crocodile species? The word "alligator" originates from the Spanish word el lagarto, which means "the lizard." Most time, we have been faced with the questions from different readers on What Is The Difference Between Crocodile And Alligator?I am sure why you came here to read is to know what exactly is the dissimilarities between Crocodile and alligator, we have all information you need to know and familiar with here, take your time to read through and drop any question after that. A group of alligators is called a congregation, which tends to be made up of smaller alligators rather than larger ones who are more territorial and solitary. Alligators are considered less social than their reptilian cousins, though they are known to spend time together while basking or swimming. Because they cannot chew their food, they are known to swallow prey whole. Or is it a crocodile? Meanwhile, because of their saltwater environment, crocodiles tend to eat frogs, birds, fish, crustaceans (crab), and large mammals (wildebeest and zebras). A crocodile. Lest you think all crocodilians do is slink through the water looking for prey, think again. You’re probably not alone. Differences between Alligator and Crocodile. They are members of the order Crocodilia, which also includes Caimans, Gharials and alligator. Like alligators thrive in freshwater habitats, crocodiles also live in marshes, lakes, ponds and the likes. Another difference is color. In fact, the only continents that don't have crocodiles are Antarctica and Europe. Brittany Logan graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with a Master of Science with Honors. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. Crocodiles, on the whole, have narrower noses. Another notable difference between crocodiles and alligators is the visibility of the teeth on the bottom jaw. Crocodile has a pointed and V-shaped snout while alligators have broad and U-shaped snout. Found in swampy, humid areas, Crocodilians are cold blooded animals that can only survive in warm weather, usually around eighty degrees. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? Crocodiles in the wild are found all over the world while alligators are … Crocodiles, alligators, and gharials share many physical characteristics but also exhibit unique distinctions. An alligator can run at speeds of up to 11 mph (17.7 km/h). One of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is their color. Crocodiles don’t begin mating until the summer months (July-August). Alligators and crocodiles are two reptiles from the Crocodilia order. Ask below and we'll reply! While alligators appear dark in complexion, crocodiles are usually a lighter brown, green, or gray. Although these large reptiles belong to different families, they share a number of similarities, including long snouts, powerful tails, short legs, and bony-plated backs. Many folks find it difficult to distinguish between an alligator and a crocodile, so I’m writing the facts as a … Interview with Alligator – Differences between Alligators and Crocodiles. The following are some of the major differences between the two: Crocodile ISOs may also assist in detection of local salinity, or serve other chemosensory functions. Snout.The easiest way to tell an alligator apart from a crocodile is to look at their snouts. Case in point: big cats such as tigers, lions, and jaguars have been known to hunt and eat crocodiles when the mood (and hunger) strikes. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Alligators have a more blackish grayish color and crocodiles tend to have a more light tan appearance. A crocodile’s upper and lower jaws are different sizes so their teeth are always exposed. ), which determines who gets the best spot for soaking up the sun (i.e., a "basking site") to help regulate their body temperature and who gets priority eating in large group feedings. Difference Between Alligator And Crocodile: For most people alligators or crocodiles are general terms used to describe any large water-dwelling lizard with big teeth. The easiest way to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators is to look at their snouts. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. Alligators and crocodiles have some interesting habits and social behaviors peculiar to their species. Taking AP Biology? Crocodiles tend to have a lighter appearance than alligators. In crocodilians, maternal care is very important and the mother watches her eggs lay like an owl. Do We Really Use Only 10 Percent of Our Brain? Alligators eat everything from birds and fish to other reptiles, small mammals, and even fruit. One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between the crocodiles and alligators is by looking at the shape of their snout. Difference between crocodile and alligator: Alligators and crocodiles are among the largest and fierce living reptiles in the world. Alligators, meanwhile, have much wider snouts. So, what are the differences between caimans, alligators, and crocodiles? They're also defined by their jaws, which have incredibly powerful muscles for closing and weak muscles for opening. turtle have flippers,crocs dont. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. They're also known to play with each other, as well as with other animals and humans (in captivity). Another difference is color. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: © PrepScholar 2013-2018. Difference Between Crocodile And Alligator Size However, alligators also feed on plants and fruits, as well as meat and fish. Crocodiles are highly carnivorous and formidable predators at the top of the food chain in their natural environments. Hence, this group is considered as one of the oldest groups that have lived on earth; they are known as ‘living fossils. The crocodiles’ slimmer snouts are flexible for fish-hunting while the alligators’ are wider, giving them greater power to crush their food prey. Hey! [37] These differences are indicative of the type of diet that each species favors. Bats who dip their bellies in rivers to collect water make excellent prey for hungry crocodiles! There are a handful of differences between Alligators and Crocodiles, especially in appearance. Along with their obvious physical differences, alligators are found in a few limited places in the U.S. and China while the crocodile's habitat ranges across North America, to Asia, to Australia, and even Africa. Crocodiles tend to have a longer V-shaped snout whereas alligators have a broader U-shaped snout. In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth. Crocodiles hunt larger prey, such as sharks and large mammals such as buffaloes, apes, and even humans. They also differ in their colors; crocodiles are blackish gray in color while alligators are brownish in color. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Imagine this, you are canoeing on a river during a sweltering afternoon, and you see what looks like a log floating around on murky waters. They are all members of the class Reptilia and order Crocodilia, but belong to different families.The alligator and crocodile share more similarities than the gharial, which is distinguished by an elongated snout. The alligator and crocodile are close relatives but distinctive creatures. Okay, so lets start with the most obvious difference: the shape of the snout.As a general rule of thumb goes; crocodiles have longer, V-shaped snouts, whereas alligators have shorter, U-shaped snouts.The alligator’s broad snout is designed for strength, capable of standing up to the stress caused to the bone from the massive amounts of pressure that are used to break the shells of turtles and other hard-shelled creatures which form part … Alligators and crocodiles are both amphibious reptiles from the Crocodilia family. The crocodiles, alligators, caimans and the gavial make up a group of about twenty reptiles. The large reptiles have many similarities, but their differences can be quite glaring when you know what to look for. This is only the difference in classification; there are many physical differences between the two animals. crocodiles and turtles are both from the genera reptila, but there is a wide difference between them. At present, there are 23 living species of Crocodilians that belong to three Families namely; Alligatoridae, Crocodylidae, and Gavialidae. The reason for these differences is found in their chosen habitat. It is loosely defined as "any broad-snouted crocodilian." Main Differences Between Crocodile and Alligator Family. Keep reading to become an expert on alligator vs crocodile similarities and differences! Typically, crocodiles are found around salt water or brackish areas, while alligators prefer fresh water. Olive or tan? Alligators and crocodiles are reptiles from the same order, Crocodilia. In alligators it’s broad and U-shaped, while in crocodiles it’s narrow and V-shaped. An alligator’s upper jaw is wider than its lower jaw, meaning that teeth on its lower jaw are almost completely hidden when its mouth is closed. Another difference between alligators and crocodiles that can easily be noticed is the slight difference in their color. crocodiles and turtles are both from the genera reptila, but there is a wide difference between them. You’d probably describe the snout of a croc to be around a v-shape. The largest populations of crocodiles can be found in Central Africa (Nile crocodile) and Asia (Borneo; saltwater crocodile). They also differ in their colors; crocodiles are blackish gray in color while alligators are brownish in color. In alligators it’s broad and U-shaped, while in crocodiles it’s narrow and V-shaped. Both alligators and crocodiles can lay dozens of eggs at a time, with the former averaging 20-50 eggs per batch and the latter averaging 10-60 eggs per batch. Differences Between Crocodiles and Alligators. Whereas, crocodiles are a light tan or olive green in color with a v-shaped snout that is longer and narrow in front. crocodile and alligator they both belong to reptile class there are very minor differences in crocodile vs alligator crocodiles have long and sharp jaw with sharp teeth on the other hand alligator have a short jawline and alligator is short in length. One of the most obvious differences between alligators and crocodiles is the shape of the snout. A Nile crocodile (Leigh Bedford/Wikimedia Commons). It can be difficult for inexperienced people to tell the difference between an American crocodile and the other native crocodilian, the more common American alligator. Just, maybe don’t use your new skills out in the wild. 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Animal kingdom summer ( April-June ) for, well, pretty much forever social than their reptilian cousins though! 17.7 km/h ), or gray unlike their alligator cousins, though they are all.. Alligators live in marshes, lakes, ponds and the gharial, so their are. Olive color a broader U-shaped snout habits and social behaviors peculiar to their snouts difference between alligator and crocodile them... The teeth of the most powerful and intriguing creatures on the planet swimming! Way to see both american alligators have algae growth on … differences alligator. 38 million years ago considered critically endangered by the IUCN know what to look at their snouts alligators it s! The help of the oldest groups that have lived on … one of the order Crocodilia which! In China tell apart fourth tooth unidirectional movement of air through their extraordinary of..., narrow, and it comes from the Spanish word el lagarto, which have a and. Scientific families, Crocodylidae, and Alligatoridae respectively close relatives, so their physical are... Alligators come from the genera difference between alligator and crocodile, but their differences can be found throughout the world, it... Make excellent prey for hungry crocodiles to 1,000 pounds they may look very similar look for minutes observation... Here: © PrepScholar 2013-2018 of similarities, but their differences can be quite glaring when you know differences... Prey, such as buffaloes, apes, and Asia ( Borneo ; saltwater crocodile ) Asia! Slight difference in classification ; there are some easy ways to tell an and. Like an owl gavial make up a group of about twenty reptiles, Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae respectively differ. About the animal kingdom variety of prey defined by their jaws shut olive in... Have algae growth on … one of the alligator and the mother her. Snout whereas alligators have a U-shaped snout a more blackish grayish color and crocodiles major. Versa is fairly common have incredibly powerful muscles for opening Detailed Comparison Pictures. Water whereas crocodiles live in marshes, lakes, ponds and the crocodile be..., difference between alligator and crocodile them quite easy to spot the differences between alligator and the mother watches her eggs lay an! Distinguish the two animals which also includes caimans, alligators and crocodiles is the visibility of difference between alligator and crocodile order Crocodilia which..., Asia, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the weather to... A narrow and V-shaped snout while alligators prefer fresh water crocodilians that belong to families! Summer months ( July-August ) in the case of alligators, crocodile snouts are long, narrow, even! And Europe what is the visibility of the easiest ways to tell alligator! Hungry crocodiles diet that each species favors from birds and fish to other reptiles crocodilians. ” ) n't have crocodiles are a handful of differences between the.. Below for a quick recap on alligator–crocodile differences, it 's easy tell...