If the snout is v shaped with a thin, pointed nose, its a crocodile. Difference between caiman and alligator samsung galaxy blog. Alligators and crocodiles by laura marsh goodreads. On the blog, we go over some key differences between the two that every floridian should know. Both alligators and crocodiles are massive reptiles. While they do look similar, there are several important differences between them. Crocodile leather is another exotic leather option, though it is considered a notch lower in the level of luxury and finesse when compared to alligator leather. The two cousins show a number of physical and ecological differences that are usually enough to tell an alligator vs crocodile apart. Alligators are related in the same family as the crocodile, but these two animals are very different. Alligators are only found in parts of the us and china, whereas crocodiles can be found across the world. Yet once you learn a bit about them it doesnt take long to realize that there are several differences between the two. The chinese alligator is smaller, typically about 5 ft with a maximum length of about 7 ft.
This list of the best kids books about alligators and crocodiles is sure to include a. Aug 11, 2017 alligators and crocodiles are fascinating for most children. Because of the wide snout of the alligator it packs more crushing power to eat prey like turtles that constitute part of its diet. Aug 06, 2008 another physical difference between the crocodile and the alligator is that the crocodile s upper and lower jaws are nearly the same width, so the teeth are exposed all along the jaw line in an interlocking pattern, even when the mouth is closed. The alligator has slanted, slitted eyes, while the crocodile has larger eyes.
Crocodiles and alligators also differ in the shape of their snout. What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. Coming face to face with a crocodile or an alligator, youd see a mouth full of serrated teeth that would likely scare the bejeezus out. The easiest way to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators is to look at their snouts. How to tell the difference between a crocodile and an. Crocodile and alligator differences animal facts for kids. Other differences include the shape of their jaws and hind legs. That of a crocodile is vshaped, it is also longer and narrower. Though a crocodile and an alligator look very similar and often people mistake one for the other, there is a difference between them. Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles. A pair of eyes lurks just above the waters surface.
Crocodiles typically have long, pointed snouts that are vshaped, whereas alligators possess more rounded snouts that are more ushaped. Although the two are often confused for one another, there are many defining characteristics that differentiate between alligators and crocodiles. Difference between crocodile and alligator alligator vs. Alligators and crocodiles share plenty of similarities, but there are actually key differences between them. The difference between crocodile and alligator crocodile and alligator what is the difference between them. Another notable difference between crocodiles and alligators is the visibility of the teeth on the bottom jaw. So, to differentiate the two once and for all, we have created this article. Developed by education experts, this series of books for beginner readers is spread across four levels. Difference between alligator and crocodile alligator vs. I adore books, so i want to share some of my and zoeys favorite alligator and crocodile books for kids. In this extremely interesting nonfiction picture book, gibbons compares the two. An alligator, on the other hand, has a broad, blunt snout. Early reader, becoming fluent, becoming independent. How to tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles.
A book about alligators and crocodiles by melvin a. There are however a number of important differences which set these apex predators apart. Sep 15, 2012 whats the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Whats the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. They first appeared 95 million years ago in the late cretaceous period cenomanian stage and are the closest living relatives of birds, as the two groups are the only known survivors of the archosauria. This is often the question that people have whenever they shop for bags and shoes. With eyes on the top of their heads, theyre tough to surprise.
Crocodiles have long and pointed, vshaped snouts while alligators have rounded, ushaped snouts. Sobek in greek, suchos and from latin suchus crocodile, was an ancient egyptian deity with a complex and fluid nature. Alligators have wider, ushaped snouts, while crocodile front ends are more pointed and vshaped. Alligators and crocodiles kindle edition by gibbons, gail. Fish and wildlife service the two reptiles are close relatives. When crocodiles close their mouths, both upper and lower teeth are visible. Now i know that a crocodile s head is more narrow and its snout is more pointed that an alligator s.
Crocodilian biology database faq whats the difference. There, mummified crocodiles were employed as cult images of petsuchos. Crocodiles and alligators are both reptiles from the same order of animals, named crocodylia. The difference between an alligator and a crocodile. Difference between crocodile and alligator comparison between crocodile and alligator this a fight to a better predator differences are based on the snout, teeth, habitat,mating, behavior, sizes etc. One example is the indian mugger crocodile, which has a wide jaw similar to an alligator but also has the prominent fourth tooth of a crocodile. But crocodiles tend to live in saltwater habitats, while alligators hang out in. Many differences between the two reptiles center on their heads and mouths, but researchers in japan have found features in their limbs that. May 26, 2006 in terms of physical differences the easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that a crocodile has a very long, narrow, vshaped snout, while the alligator s snout is wider and ushaped. In contrast, when a crocodile has its mouth shut, its back teeth stick up over the top lip, showing off a toothy grin.
Alligator vs crocodile differences explained with videos. Apr 25, 2017 what is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. Crocodiles are usually found in saltwater habitats, while alligators prefer freshwater areas. Apr 08, 2020 the best way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is to look at the snout. Eyes situated atop their heads enable them to keep a lookout for prey, while their powerful tails swiftly propel them through the water. Alligators and crocodiles share a similar physical appearance. There are total 28 numbers of species are existinig today of the crocodilians. One ways is to look at how their teeth sit when their mouth is shut. They are both large, superficially similar reptiles belonging to the same order. In this article, well 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. This difference is practically reflected in the pricing of the two varieties alligator leather products command a significant premium over similar crocodile leather products. Read the following article to understand how the distinction can be done with just a couple of minutes of observation. What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile.
A newly discovered difference between alligators and crocodiles. The american alligator is the larger of the two species of alligator and typically ranges from 612 ft but can grow up to 19 ft. When their snouts are shut, crocodiles look like theyre flashing a toothy grin, as the fourth tooth on each side of the lower jaw sticks up over the upper lip. Alligator snouts are also shorter than crocodile snouts. Ideally suited for life in water and on land, members of the order can swim up to 20 mph 32 kph and run up to 11 mph 17. For starters, crocodile belongs to the crocodylidae family, and the alligator along with the caiman belongs to the alligatoridae family. What is the difference between a alligators eyes and. The pits, which look like small dots, cover almost every inch of a crocodile s body, but only the jaws of an alligator. Jan 14, 2017 now that you know the difference between crocodile and the others, let us focus on the difference between caiman and alligator. Alligators have a wide, rounded, ushaped snouts with larger noses, whereas crocodiles have longer, thinner, pointed vshaped snouts and smaller noses. Mar 17, 2020 the wide snout of the alligator packs more crushing power, making it easier to secure prey such as turtles. The crocodiles snout is pointed and vshaped, and the alligators is wide and ushaped. For an alligator, the snout is u shaped and it is also wider and blunt. How to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator.
The shape of each families jaws is another outward difference you can detect between the crocodile and alligator. May 23, 2017 do you know how to distinguish an alligator from a crocodile. An alligators eyes are closer together than a crocodiles. Jul 01, 2019 crocodiles and alligators are the biggest reptilians on the planet. The most obvious difference comes from their appearances. Crocodilians have up to 80 teeth in their mouth at one time. This is an excellent book to introduce children and adults to the differences between alligators and crocodiles. Crocodiles have a jagged fringe on their hind legs and feet. What is the difference between alligators and crocodiles.
Many people tend to use the words alligator and crocodile interchangeably, implying that there is almost no difference between the two animals. These differences are most obvious when you study their skulls. This is illustrated below the alligator on the left does not have any sense organs, but the crocodile on the right does. Its fourth lower tooth cannot be seen when the alligators mouth is closed. Many people have a hard time telling the difference between alligators and crocodiles.
Each species is unique, so there are some exceptions to these common differences. If the animal has a shorter, wider, u shaped snout, its an alligator. Categorized under animals,nature difference between alligator and crocodile it is not uncommon for people to mistake a crocodile for an alligator. Whats the difference between alligator and crocodile. Crocodile and alligator skin wallets, handbags, boots etc are easy to tell apart if the scales have a small spot or dimple close to the edge, you know the skin is from a crocodile and not an alligator or caiman. When an alligator has its mouth shut, you wont see any of its teeth. Read on to find out what some of these differences are while enjoying all our animal facts for kids. The most prominent and conspicuous difference between alligators and crocodiles is the snout. 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. Mistaking an alligator for a crocodile and vice versa is fairly common. Theyre most at home in the water and can hold their breath for up to an hour. There are different species of alligators and crocodiles. An alligators head is short and wide, while a crocodiles is. Difference between alligator and crocodile difference between.
Coming face to face with a crocodile or an alligator, youd see a mouth full of. The main difference is that a crocodile has a narrow snout that comes to a point at the tip, and the fourth lower tooth is always visible even when the crocodiles mouth is closed. Crocodilia or crocodylia is an order of mostly large, predatory, semiaquatic reptiles, known as crocodilians. Its not that hard to tell an american alligator from a crocodile if you know what to look for. The jaws found on a typical crocodile and an alligator are also different. There is the american alligator and the chinese alligator. How can you tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. The 8 main differences between alligators and crocodiles. Most adult caimans would be anywhere from five to seven feet in. Very informative about the similarities and differences of alligators and crocodiles. One youll see in a while and the other youll see later. He is associated with the nile crocodile or the west african crocodile and is. Gators can grow to be anywhere between 10 and 15 feet long as adults, weighing in at an average of 500 pounds.
Crocodiles have longer and thinner snouts than alligators. Dec 14, 2017 difference between crocodile and alligator comparison between crocodile and alligator this a fight to a better predator differences are based on the snout, teeth, habitat,mating, behavior, sizes etc. The best alligator and crocodile books for kids living. By contrast, the narrow snout of the crocodile is suited for fish as well as small mammals. From a distance, its 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.
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