How Do You Tell The Difference Between Alligators And Crocodiles?
Most people use the words “alligator” and “crocodile” interchangeably, to describe big, toothy lizards that prey on unsuspecting swimmers . However, there are some subtle differences between alligators and crocodiles (and their close relatives, the caymans)-and knowing them will make your life much easier when your curious grade-schooler asks you this question out of the blue. Alligators and crocodiles are both reptiles. The reptile order “crocodylia” encompasses all the known alligators, crocodiles, and caimans, sorted into about 25 different species (including yet a fourth type of chomping creature, the endangered gharial). Alligators and caimans belong to their own family in the Crocodylia order (called, conveniently enough, “alligatoridae”) while crocodiles are in the “crocodylidae” family. It’s all in the snout. As a general rule, alligators have shorter, blunter, heavier heads than crocodiles, which have long, tapered snouts lined with sharp teeth. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever
