Q&A for How to Tell the Difference Between a Crocodile and an Alligator

They are related, but too distant genetically to have offspring.

Yes, they are.

No. The eye placement is very similar in both.

It depends on the species, so this isn't a good hard and fast rule to rely upon. The easiest way to tell the difference is: Alligators have a wide "U"-shaped, rounded snout (like a shovel), whereas crocodiles tend to have longer and more pointed "V"-shaped noses.

Both are reptiles.

There is no difference. They both walk the same.

Alligators and crocodiles jaws are hinged the same. Both animals hinge their jaws on the bottom, while the top jaw is simply an extension of the skull. This means the top jaw actually cannot move without either crocodile or alligator tilting their neck. The bottom jaw is hinged, allowing it to drop open.

No. Gators were much later in evolution. The first croc was on land, and was called the Cat Crocodile.

They tend to eat immediately, never saving it for later.

Their ears are located on the sides of their heads, right behind their eyes, on both crocodiles and alligators. It's a narrow opening so it's a bit hard to tell.

Crocodiles generally are bigger than alligators, but their behaviors are similar, and so is their aggression.

The size varies depending on age and location. The alligator and crocodile look very similar when they are young.

Crocodiles have a stronger and more harmful bite than alligators. They also grow significantly bigger than alligators.

They both open their mouths the same way, usually in the sun. Try looking at other indentifying traits mentioned in the article.

Both crocodiles and alligators will have different tail lengths, It depends on the genes and age of the animals.

Alligators (and caimans) have a wide "U"-shaped, rounded snout (like a shovel), whereas crocodiles tend to have longer and more pointed "V"-shaped noses. Conversely, the pointed snout of a crocodile isn't quite as strong as the alligator shape. However, the crocodile is still capable of exerting massive biting power.

No, both alligators and crocodiles breathe outside of the water. However, alligators can stay submerged underwater for 20 to 40 minutes!

No; the alligator is much leaner and skinnier than the crocodile. Crocodiles are bigger and have shorter tails.

Yes. The Nile crocodile has a bite force of around 5,000 psi, followed by the saltwater crocodile at about 3,600. The American alligator is third most powerful, at just over 2,100; by comparison, a grizzly bear's bite is about 1,200 psi.

Yes, they both have a similar digestive system as they have very similar diets.

They both enjoy the sun and sometimes small creatures will go into the mouth, not knowing they are about to be eaten!

Snout shape is key, so you are on the right path! Alligators have a wide/rounded, U-shaped snout, while crocodiles have long/pointed, V-shaped snouts. The upper and lower jaws of a crocodile are the same size as well.

The first alligator ancestors evolved some 245 million years ago. About 80 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, crocodilians appeared. This group includes alligatoroids, such as Brachychampsa, as well as their close relatives the crocodiles and caimans.

Crocodiles and alligators are not the same animal, but they are related - both are species in the family Crocodylidae. They're closely enough to have the same ancestors, which have also remained relatively unchanged throughout history, but are not closely related enough to breed with each other.

The Florida Everglades is the only place on earth where crocodiles and alligators naturally live in the same habitat. They sometimes compete with each other for resources - considering their size and strength, however, serious conflict is fairly rare and they tend to coexist more often than not.