Crocodiles and Alligators

Crocodiles and Alligators belong to different families within a group of animals known as crocodilians.

THE snout, the jaw and the teeth Alligators have a broad, wide, U-shaped snout. The strong snout makes it easier for them to eat hard-backed animals like turtles. Crocodiles have narrow, Vshaped snouts which are not as strong as those of alligators, but they are well adapted to eating fish and mammals. There are, however, exceptions, such as the Indian mugger crocodile which has a U-shaped snout.

The alligator’s upper jaw is wider. Its lower teeth are hidden when the mouth is closed. Both the upper and lower jaws of crocodiles are of the same size and when their mouths are closed, the lower teeth are visible, especially a prominent fourth tooth. Colour

Alligators are blackish, in contrast to the light olive — coloured crocodiles. Habitat

Crocodiles may inhabit brackish and sea water. Alligators prefer fresh water. Both the animals have glands on their tongues but only crocodiles have glands that secrete excess salt, making it easier for them to tolerate salt water. They tend to lay eggs in mud and sand surrounding brackish water. Alligators make their nests out of vegetation surrounding freshwater.

While crocodiles are found all over the world, alligators are found only in the United States and China. Behaviour

Alligators are said to be less aggressive than crocodiles. Size

Crocodiles may be larger than alligators. Alligators grow to an average size of 4.2m, whereas crocodiles can grow up to 5.7m. The African dwarf crocodile however grows only up to 1.5m.