The document is an article titled "Can You Tell a 'Gator From a Croc?" by Guy Belleranti. It discusses the similarities and differences between crocodiles and alligators. While crocodiles and alligators are both large, 4-legged reptiles that live in warm tropical areas and have similar physical traits, there are key visual differences that allow them to be distinguished. An alligator has a rounded, u-shaped snout while a crocodile has a more pointed, v-shaped snout. Additionally, an alligator's upper jaw overlaps its lower jaw so its teeth do not show when its mouth is closed, unlike a crocodile. The article provides pictures of an alligator and
The document is an article titled "Can You Tell a 'Gator From a Croc?" by Guy Belleranti. It discusses the similarities and differences between crocodiles and alligators. While crocodiles and alligators are both large, 4-legged reptiles that live in warm tropical areas and have similar physical traits, there are key visual differences that allow them to be distinguished. An alligator has a rounded, u-shaped snout while a crocodile has a more pointed, v-shaped snout. Additionally, an alligator's upper jaw overlaps its lower jaw so its teeth do not show when its mouth is closed, unlike a crocodile. The article provides pictures of an alligator and
The document is an article titled "Can You Tell a 'Gator From a Croc?" by Guy Belleranti. It discusses the similarities and differences between crocodiles and alligators. While crocodiles and alligators are both large, 4-legged reptiles that live in warm tropical areas and have similar physical traits, there are key visual differences that allow them to be distinguished. An alligator has a rounded, u-shaped snout while a crocodile has a more pointed, v-shaped snout. Additionally, an alligator's upper jaw overlaps its lower jaw so its teeth do not show when its mouth is closed, unlike a crocodile. The article provides pictures of an alligator and
The document is an article titled "Can You Tell a 'Gator From a Croc?" by Guy Belleranti. It discusses the similarities and differences between crocodiles and alligators. While crocodiles and alligators are both large, 4-legged reptiles that live in warm tropical areas and have similar physical traits, there are key visual differences that allow them to be distinguished. An alligator has a rounded, u-shaped snout while a crocodile has a more pointed, v-shaped snout. Additionally, an alligator's upper jaw overlaps its lower jaw so its teeth do not show when its mouth is closed, unlike a crocodile. The article provides pictures of an alligator and
Look closely at the reptiles pictured below. Can you tell which one is the crocodile and which is the alligator?
Many people confuse crocodiles and alligators, and it's no wonder - the two animals are closely related. However, if you know a few facts about each animal, I think you'll be able to tell them apart.
First, let's examine how the two creatures are alike.
• Both crocodiles and alligators are large, 4-legged reptiles that live primarily in warm tropical swamps and rivers.
• Both have good eyesight and good night vision. Having their eyes on the top of their head helps them see prey when they're swimming underwater.
• Both have a special additional eyelid called a nictitating membrane. This clear eyelid keeps their eyes moist and clean. Since it is clear, crocs and gators can see through this eyelid even when it's closed.
• Both have excellent hearing and senses of smell. Their ears and nostrils have flaps that close when they dive underwater.
• How long can alligators and crocodiles stay underwater? While they usually stay under for a half hour or less, they can hold their breath much longer. Alligators and crocodiles can spend two hours or more underwater while resting.
• Both animals have huge, powerful tails that help them swim and fight predators. But the tails serve another function as well. Their tails store fat that can be used for nourishment when food is scarce.
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• Mother alligators and crocodiles guard their eggs and take good care of their hatchlings. Most other reptiles, including turtles and snakes, lay their eggs and move on. They do not watch after or care for their young like alligators and crocodiles do.
While these facts may be interesting, they're not helping you determine which picture is the alligator and which one is the crocodile. To help you tell them apart, let's discuss how these two animals are different.
• While both are crocodilians, they are in different groups or families. In fact, there are three families of crocodilians. There's an alligator family, which includes alligators and caiman. There's also a crocodile family. And there's a third group called gharials, which are an endangered group of crocodilians from India.
• Alligators and caiman have u-shaped, rounded snouts. Crocodile snouts are more pointed and v-shaped. Gharial snouts are very long and slender. In fact, the gharial's snout is so slender that it can only catch and eat fish. Alligators and crocodiles eat all sorts of animals.
Since you're probably wondering what a gharial looks like, here's a picture:
As you can see, it's neither an alligator nor crocodile,
but in a group all its own. Its snout is very thin, so it can't catch and eat large, strong animals like alligators and crocodiles can.
It is estimated that only 5,000 or so gharials are
alive in the world today.
• An alligator's wider upper jaw overlaps its lower jaw when it closes its mouth. Because of this its teeth don't show. A crocodile's upper and lower jaw, however, are about the same width. So when a crocodile closes its mouth some of its teeth still show.
• While many crocodiles live in freshwater, some also live in saltier sea water. The largest crocodilian of all, the Estuarine Crocodile of Australia and Asia, is an example of a species that can be found in both fresh and saltwater. Alligators are found only in freshwater habitats.
Look back at the two pictures on the first page. Now that you know your crocodilians, you should be able to tell which picture is the croc and which one's the 'gator. To the left, you see an American Alligator. (You can tell by the shape of its snout.) To the right, a Saltwater Crocodile.
About the Author
Guy Belleranti works as a docent at Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona. The information in this article comes from his experiences working with animals and teaching others.
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Name: __________________________________
Can You Tell a 'Gator From a Croc?
by Guy Belleranti
1. Correctly label each picture as an alligator, a crocodile, or a gharial.
