What are the main differences between Alligators and Crocodiles? We are suggesting you know the differences between Alligators VS Crocodiles. Though the fact that they are similar, these two animals belong to separate biological families.
Crocodiles or true crocodiles are large aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. Crocodile is classified as a biological subfamily. The term is sometimes used even more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, including alligators and caimans.
And an alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. The two living species are the American alligator. Additionally, several species of alligator are known from fossil remains.
So, there are some differences between Alligators vs Crocodiles that we would like to call your attention to.
- Snout shape: Alligators have the snout shape of U, while crocodile snout is more pointed and V-shaped.
- A place they live: Alligators can only be found in parts of the US and China, whereas crocodiles worldwide.
- Home base: Crocodiles live in saltwater habitats, while alligators hang out in freshwater marshes and lakes.
- Toothy grin: Crocodiles can’t hide their teeth, but alligators’ teeth are sometimes hidden when their mouths are closed. “Crocodiles often have many visible teeth sticking out over their lips, giving them a very jagged “smile,” but since an alligator’s upper jaw is wider than its lower, it can hide all its teeth when its mouth is closed.”
- Color: Alligators are darker than Crocodiles; the latter is lighter in color.
- Speed: As referred to the speed, alligators are more agile than crocodiles.
- Aggression. In terms of aggression, an alligator may be more friendly than a crocodile.
- Size. A full-grown crocodile will likely be several feet longer than an adult alligator.
Here are the main differences between these two reptiles. We hope that this article will be helpful for you and increase your knowledge.