Alligator Vs Crocodile

While talking about some of the mysterious and aggressive animal species on Earth, I am sure you will first mention crocodiles. No doubt, they are one of the most dangerous animals. Despite the vast differences between crocodiles and birds, they are believed to be closely related living species. Very often, crocodiles are confused with alligators, mainly because of their similarities in their external appearance. But, these ferocious man eaters are classified under different families. Let's take a look at the various aspects regarding alligator vs crocodile.

Alligator Vs Crocodile

Alligators are very much similar to crocodiles, be it the appearance, the habitat or the feeding habit. Hence, it is quite difficult to differentiate an alligator from a crocodile. But, when you study the basic traits of each group separately, you will easily come to know the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Comparison of alligators and crocodiles is summarized below:

Taxonomic Family
First of all, let's compare alligators and crocodiles in terms of their respective taxonomic families. Though, both these reptiles belong to same order Crocodilia, alligators are classified under Alligatoridae family, whereas crocodiles are members of the Crocodylidae family.

Habitat
In regards to the habitat comparison of alligators and crocodiles, both spend their life in and near water bodies and lay their eggs on land. But the difference is alligators prefer a freshwater habitat, while crocodiles prefer to live in brackish water or saltwater.

Behavior
Another alligator and crocodile difference is the behavior and the temperament. Both these reptiles are furious, but when you observe them, you will notice that crocodiles are more aggressive in comparison to alligators. Alligators try to flee in most times when approached by humans, while crocodiles tend to attack anything that comes across nearby.

Body Coloration
Speaking more about alligators vs crocodiles, the body coloration of alligators is darker than crocodiles. Alligators are mostly blackish or gray, whereas the color of crocodiles is olive-green or brown.

Snout Shape
The most notable difference between an alligator and a crocodile is the shape of the snout. Alligators have a broader 'U' shaped snout, whereas the snout shape of crocodiles is narrow and form a V towards the end.

Jaw Placement
The tooth placement is also a distinguishing feature to demarcate alligators and crocodiles. The jaw placement of an alligator is such that the upper jaw is wider and covers the lower jaw completely. In case of a crocodile, the width of the upper and lower jaw are the same, hence, the teeth in the lower jaw become apparent after the mouth is closed.

Hind Legs
In alligators, there is the absence of a noticeable jagged fringe in the hind legs, whereas these fringes are present in the hind legs and feet of crocodiles.

Dermal Pressure Receptors (DPRs)
DPRs are small, black, sensory pits that help in detecting changes in the water pressure. Both in alligators and crocodiles, DPRs serve as an important organ for locating their prey. In alligators, DPRs are present only around the jaw, whereas in crocodiles, these sensory organs are present in nearly every scale of the body.

Salt Gland
Both alligators and crocodiles have structurally modified salivary glands (salt glands) in the tongue. The crocodiles use these salt glands for excreting excess salt from the body, whereas in alligators, these salt glands are non functional. This is the reason as to why, a crocodile can tolerate saline water, whereas an alligator cannot.

With this brief information about an alligator vs crocodile, I hope you have understood the differences between these two reptiles. So, the next time you visit a zoo, try identifying alligators and crocodiles and take a note of the subtle differences.