2006-12-21 11:35:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Alligators are characterized by a broader snout and eyes more dorsally located than their crocodile cousins. Both living species also tend to be darker in color, often nearly black but color is very dependent on the water. Algae laden waters produce greener gators. Waters with a lot of tannic acid from overhanging trees are often darker (although the Chinese alligator has some light patterning.) Also, in alligators only the upper teeth can be seen with the jaws closed (in contrast to true crocodiles, in which upper and lower teeth can be seen), though many individuals bear jaw deformities which complicate this means of identification.
The eyes of a large alligator will glow red and those of a smaller will glow green when a light is shined on them. This fact can be used to find alligators in the dark.
2006-12-21 11:42:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all they are from different families of animals (crocodiles, alligators, and caimans).
The second indication is the look of their snout (nose). Crocodiles have long, pointed snouts whereas Alligators have a round, snub-nose snout.
The third indication is the teeth. Alligators have a wider upper jaw than lower jaw. This causes an alligators to conceal all of their lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This is most apparent with the fourth tooth that is completely visible on a crocodile but hidden on an alligator.
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Just an update about crocs in America. There are indeed crocodiles in America and they are called the American Crocodile. They only exist in the southern tip of Florida.
2006-12-21 11:44:37 · answer #2 · answered by vicvega420 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To add to the mentionned diffrences, Crocodiles = African Continent mostly; Alligators: American Continents
2006-12-21 11:44:37 · answer #3 · answered by Diablous 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alligator has a smaller nose and body. Crocodiles scare me.
2006-12-21 11:43:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crocs have a little bit narrower snout than the alligator. Also, alligators tend to be a bit more placid.
2006-12-21 11:39:37 · answer #5 · answered by Horsetrainer89 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the difference in the snouts, and I do believe that you cannot find a crocodile in North America, but I could be wrong.
2006-12-21 14:42:38 · answer #6 · answered by Angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alligators are generally a New World animal, found primarily in the southeastern U.S.
2006-12-21 11:44:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alligators have broader snouts than that of their cousin.
2006-12-21 15:08:20 · answer #8 · answered by Hannah! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crocodiles have a more narrow snout. That's basically all i can tell you.
2006-12-21 11:44:31 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. Piggy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
crocs live in salt water habitats and their tails have these ridges, an aligator lives in fresh water and their tail is smooth
2006-12-21 11:44:21 · answer #10 · answered by out of it 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋