2006-07-29 09:20:55 · 31 answers · asked by Mummy of 2 7 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
[The differences] are mainly based around features of the skeleton and body, and you've already mentioned one of these — the difference in the shape of their heads. Alligators and caimans have broad U-shaped snouts, whereas crocodiles have narrower V-shaped snouts. There is some variation (for example Mugger crocodiles have a very broad snout like an alligator, and some subspecies of caimans have an almost V-shaped snout). Alligators are recognizable because the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw, and hence all the teeth of the lower jaw are hidden from view and fit into depressions in the upper jaw. With crocodiles the teeth interlock more evenly, and those in both the upper and lower jaws are clearly visible when the mouth is shut. The large fourth upper tooth in particular is easy to spot in a crocodile, but not an alligator.
2006-07-29 09:26:00 · answer #1 · answered by Paul B 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The snout determines the difference. Now that we are talking about Gators...there was an accident at Ft Benning, Georgia where a soldiers dog was barking at an Alligator. The next thing he heard was a yelp and the Gator had the dog in the jaws and dragged him in to the water. I had just got there to fish when it happened and the Game Warden set out to capture the Alligator. When they caught him it was a record of 16 ft long the largest ever for Ft benning. On the other side of the lake where there is Lilly pads and stuff...the only way to get there is by boat. When the Warden was setting the traps, he smelled something rotting and approached the bank and walked on foot and discovered the Alligators bone yard. There was Deer Bones and Dog bones. It was said that the Gator was killing 12 point bucks and dragging them to his bone yard where he would eat them and leave the carcass there. It remains a tourist site for the locals with boats. I have visited it and it is incredible. This Gator was eating good for a long time, I wonder if the missing soldiers presumed AWOL are just good eating when the gator got them...lol
2006-07-29 15:51:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crocodiles used to be believers in purgatory until someone translated the bible into english and placed a comma in a different place than before. This kicked up merry hell until eventually the differences between the crocs and the allis becam so big that Marting Luther Crocodile nailed a letter on a church door and all sorts of mayhem errupted.
Not really though, its cos Crocodiles like eastenders and Alligators love corry
2006-07-29 09:25:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their snouts. Also, a very interesting piece of info is that the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators exist in nature in the same area is Florida.
2006-07-29 10:37:19 · answer #4 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are in different families, so there are several differences... The most commonly known one is that crocs have pointed snouts/jaws (V shaped) while gators' are more rounded (U shaped). The teeth in the lower jaw are exposed in crocs but sheathed in gators. Crocs also have a salt gland that enables them to tolerate more marine habitats. There are SEVERAL species of crocodile found all over the world, while the only species of alligator are the american and chinese (VERY endangered). There are also crocodilians called Caiman, which resemble crocodiles but are more closely related to gators, and gharial which are a family of their own.
2006-07-29 12:46:42 · answer #5 · answered by snake_girl85 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think, that maybe, crocodiles have shoes and handbags and tears (as in crocodile tears) and plays a major part in a film alongside an Australian guy.
As far as I can remember, the only thing an alligator has going for it is a mention in an old Bill Haley song.
Such is life. . . . .
2006-07-29 09:35:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Alligators are found in N&S America. Crocodiles are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
2)Crocodiles upper, and lower teeth can be seen when their mouths are closed. Alligators only expose their upper.
3)Crocodiles tend to be larger and more aggressive.
2006-07-29 09:28:53 · answer #7 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crocodiles are bigger than alligators. Also, when their mouths are closed, you can see two of a crocodile's teeth on the side of their snout.
2006-07-29 09:25:25 · answer #8 · answered by True Blue Brit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their noses and teeth are a bit different. I think alligators are usualy bigger and have bigger jaws. I think there might also be something about crocs not being able to move their tongues but gators can. Not sure about that though.
2006-07-29 11:27:35 · answer #9 · answered by Evil J.Twin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alligators have shorter, wider snouts, and are generally smaller than their crocodile cousins who can become outright humongous. Crikey!
2006-07-29 10:47:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋