2006-12-22 18:51:56 · 16 answers · asked by veronica a 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
scientifically, both alligators and crocodiles are categorized as "crocodillians".
You can recognize an alligator by its more pointed snout. Alligators' snouts are wider. Also, one of the crocodile's teeth (one on each side) sticks out when its mouth is closed.
2006-12-22 18:58:30 · answer #1 · answered by Nick B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the species of alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharial together are known as “crocodilians.” That is sometimes shortened to “crocs” and still refers to all the species as a group.
But many people want to know what the difference is between an alligator and a crocodile. If you really want to know for sure, you need to know the particular characteristics of each species. But don't worry—there are a few general ways to tell the two apart:
Shape of the jaw— Alligators tend to have wide, U-shaped, rounded snouts, while crocodiles tend to have longer, more pointed, V-shaped snouts.
Teeth— The fourth tooth on the lower jaw sticks up over the upper lip on crocodiles, so you can see it when their mouths are closed. In alligators, this fourth tooth is covered up.
Habitat— Crocodiles also have special glands in their tongues that can get rid of excess salt, so they tend to live in saltwater habitats. Alligators have these glands, too, but they don't work as well as the crocodiles', so alligators prefer to live in freshwater habitats.
With 23 species of crocodilians, though, these general rules don't always apply—there are exceptions!
2006-12-22 19:04:40 · answer #2 · answered by NISHA A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An alligator is a crocodile while a crocodile is not necessarily a crocodile. An alligator is in the order crocodilian. They exist in America, and China and have broader snouts and eyes more dorsal (on top) than their cousins the crocodile. The crocodile is also in the order crocodilian.
2006-12-22 19:09:39 · answer #3 · answered by imright 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is one of the most sensible questions that I have seen on this site and it's refreshing! The alligators snout is rounded where as the crocodiles is more thin and elongated. Both grow to huge sizes!
2006-12-22 19:04:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a crocodile's nose is more pointed than an aligator's
2006-12-22 18:54:30 · answer #5 · answered by Cailu 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crocodiles and Indian gavials are characterized by narrow jaws.
Alligator and Caimans are characterized by broader jaws.
2006-12-22 19:12:22 · answer #6 · answered by Ishan26 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its the size and their teeth. "Heres to the Greatest Crocodille Man that ever lived, Steve Irwin! We miss you Steve!!"
2006-12-22 18:54:40 · answer #7 · answered by Crissy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Snout and Hue. Geographical location of habitat.
2006-12-22 18:59:13 · answer #8 · answered by Answerer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 8 thousand miles
the shape of their head and
the places they live.
2006-12-22 19:17:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This link is a handy chart that outlines the many differences. Hope it helps!
2006-12-22 19:09:42 · answer #10 · answered by DW 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋