Alligators and crocodiles are often confused because they are similar in appearance. But there are several key ways to tell them apart.
Alligators have a broader U-shaped snout while crocodiles have a narrower V-shaped snout. When their mouths are closed you can see the fourth tooth on the lower jaw of an alligator peeking out. Crocodiles can tuck their teeth away so you can t see them when their mouths are shut.
Alligators tend to be dark olive green or black while crocodiles are more brownish.
Another big difference is habitat. Alligators live in fresh water like lakes marshes and swamps while crocodiles live in salt water like in the ocean.
Size is another big difference. Alligators grow to be about 15 feet (4.5 meters) long on average while crocodiles can grow to be more than twice that size!
And finally behavior: alligators are generally shy and will try to avoid contact with humans while crocodiles can be aggressive and have been known to attack people.
So to sum it up: alligators have broader snouts live in fresh water are smaller and are shy around humans. Crocodiles have narrower snouts live in salt water can grow to be much larger and can be aggressive.
What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
The main difference between alligators and crocodiles is that alligators have a broader snout while crocodiles have a narrower and more V-shaped snout.
What is the difference in size between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators are typically smaller than crocodiles.
The average alligator is around 11 feet long while the average crocodile is around 15-16 feet long.
What is the difference in weight between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators typically weigh 600-1000 pounds while crocodiles can weight up to 2200 pounds.
What kind of habitat do alligators and crocodiles live in?
Alligators and crocodiles both live in freshwater environments such as rivers lakes and swamps.
What is the difference in lifespan between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators typically have a lifespan of 60 years while crocodiles can live up to 70-100 years.
How do alligators and crocodiles reproduce?
Alligators and crocodiles both reproduce by laying eggs.
The female alligator will build a nest of vegetation and then lay around 35-50 eggs.
The female crocodile will also build a nest of vegetation and dig a hole in the sand to lay her eggs in.
She will then lay around 35-60 eggs.
How long does it take for alligator and crocodile eggs to hatch?
Alligator and crocodile eggs take around 60-65 days to hatch.
How does the temperature affect alligator and crocodile eggs?
The temperature outside will determine the gender of alligator and crocodile eggs.
If it is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit then the eggs will be female.
If it is around 93 degrees Fahrenheit then the eggs will be male.
What do alligator and crocodile hatchlings look like?
Alligator and crocodile hatchlings look like miniature versions of their parents.
They have soft yellowish-brown skin and will have spots on their back and tail.
How long do alligator and crocodile hatchlings stay with their parents?
Alligator and crocodile hatchlings will stay with their parents for around 2 years.
How big do alligator and crocodile hatchlings grow?
Alligator and crocodile hatchlings will grow to be around 3-4 feet long.
What do alligators and crocodiles eat?
Alligators and crocodiles are both carnivores and will eat fish birds mammals and other reptiles.
How do alligators and crocodiles hunt?
Alligators and crocodiles will both wait for their prey to come close to the water’s edge and then they will attack.
What is the difference in skin between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators have tough scaly skin while crocodiles have tough leathery skin.
What is the difference in teeth between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators have sharp teeth that are all the same size while crocodiles have sharp teeth that are all different sizes.
