2006-11-11 09:05:10 · 18 answers · asked by xinnybuxlrie 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Their nose, mainly.
In terms of physical differences the easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that a crocodile has a very long, narrow, V-shaped snout, while the alligator's snout is wider and U-shaped.
2006-11-11 09:06:26 · answer #1 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first difference between a crocodile and an alligator is that they are from different families of crocodilians. Crocodiles are from the crocodylidae family, while alligators and caiman are from the alligatoridae family.
In terms of physical differences the easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that a crocodile has a very long, narrow, V-shaped snout, while the alligator's snout is wider and U-shaped. Because of the wide snout of the alligator it packs more crushing power to eat prey like turtles that constitute part of its diet. The narrow crocodile snout, although still very powerful, is not really suited for prey like turtles but is very versatile for fish and mammals.
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. They also have an enormous 4th tooth on the lower jaw that is accommodated by depressions in the upper jaw just behind the nostrils.
An alligator, on the other hand, has a wider upper jaw, so when its mouth is closed the teeth in the lower jaw fit into sockets of the upper jaw, hidden from view. Only the teeth of the upper jaw are exposed along the lower jaw line. Even the enormous 4th tooth on the bottom jaw, which is exposed in a crocodile, is hidden in the alligator.
Another physical difference is that crocodiles have a lighter olive brown coloration, while alligators appear blackish. Alligators also prefer freshwater while crocodiles like brackish water and sometimes even ocean.
2006-11-11 09:08:02 · answer #2 · answered by goaliemom0825 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crocodile's snouts is much narrower than the alligator.
2006-11-12 03:24:51 · answer #3 · answered by DaRkAngeL XIII 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An alligator has a big snout. More blunt and round and the croc has a slender one. That is the most obvious that I can think of to tell the difference.
2006-11-11 09:07:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are many differences. The first has been stated, the snout. Narrow and pointed versus wide and flat.
They also differ in size. Crocs are much larger than alligators.
2006-11-11 09:07:43 · answer #5 · answered by BigM 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The shape of the mouth.....crocodile has a long narrow mouth, and the alligator is wide
2006-11-11 09:06:32 · answer #6 · answered by Diamond in the Rough 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Alligators have rounded snout and do not show any lower teeth when their mouth is closed
Crocodiles have a "V" shaped jaw and will have the fourth lower tooth exposed when their jaw is closed
2006-11-11 09:09:27 · answer #7 · answered by meinett 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the crocodile has a long snout and exposed teeth, and an aligator, has a broder rounder snout, and there teeth kinda hide in there mouth, and the aligator is a darker green, and the croc is a light green.
2006-11-11 17:21:14 · answer #8 · answered by US 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
alligators have a broad snout crocadiles have a narrow snout and they are larger than alligators and alot more agressive
2006-11-12 08:15:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
crocodile snout is pointed and alligator snout is blunt.
2006-11-11 10:49:47 · answer #10 · answered by moosa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋