There are many different types of crocodilians but only two species of alligator. Both alligators and crocodiles are reptiles and have many similarities but there are also several key differences.
For starters alligators are typically found in freshwater environments while crocodiles can live in either freshwater or saltwater. Alligators also tend to have shorter and rounder snouts while crocodiles have longer and more pointed snouts.
Alligators are also typically smaller than crocodiles. An adult alligator will typically reach lengths of 10-12 feet (3-3.6 meters) while an adult crocodile can reach lengths of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters).
One of the most noticeable differences between alligators and crocodiles is the placement of their eyes. Alligators have eyes that are set farther apart on their heads while crocodiles have eyes that are closer together.
Alligators are also better swimmers than crocodiles. This is due to their streamlined bodies and their paddle-like tails.
Finally alligators are more aggressive than crocodiles. This is likely due to the fact that alligators have more to worry about from other predators while crocodiles are at the top of the food chain.
What is the biggest difference between alligators and crocodiles?
Alligators are often much larger than crocodiles.
Which animal has the strongest bite?
crocodiles have the strongest bite out of the two animals
How do you tell the difference between the two animals if you see one in the wild?
Alligators tend to have rounder snouts while crocodiles have more V-shaped snouts.
Which animal can hold its breath for the longest?
crocodiles can hold their breath for much longer periods of time than alligators
What is the difference in where these animals live?
Alligators are found in North and South America while crocodiles are found in Africa Asia and Australia
How long do these animals live?
Alligators can live up to 50 years old in the wild while crocodiles can live up to 70 or 80 years old.
What is the temperature difference of these animals’ environments?
Alligators live in warmer climates while crocodiles can live in tropical or subtropical areas.
What is the difference in these animals’ skin?
Alligators have thick scaly skin while crocodiles have tough leathery skin.
What is the difference in these animals’ teeth?
Alligators have shorter sharper teeth while crocodiles have longer sharper teeth.
What is the difference in these animals’ eyesight?
Alligators have better eyesight than crocodiles.
What is the difference in these animals’ hearing?
Alligators have better hearing than crocodiles.
What is the difference in these animals’ sense of smell?
Alligators have a better sense of smell than crocodiles.
What is the difference in how these animals walk?
Alligators walk with a side-to-side motion while crocodiles walk with an up-and-down motion.
What is the difference in these animals’ mating habits?
Alligators mate during the day while crocodiles mate at night.
What is the difference in these animals’ nests?
Alligators build their nests on land while crocodiles build their nests in the water.
