Crocodiles and Alligators, What’s the Difference? The all page

KOMPAS.com – Many think if crocodile and aligator it’s the same animal, because the physique looks very similar. This similarity is because crocodiles and alligators are still close relatives of the Crocodilia order.

At first glance, crocodiles and alligators have physical similarities such as thick skin and hideous sharp snouts. However, if you look further, crocodiles and alligators have many striking differences.

Do you know anything the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?

Sharp muzzle and teeth

Quoting Live ScienceThe sharp, sharp snouts of alligators and crocodiles are different in shape. The alligator muzzle is wider, like the letter U. Meanwhile, the crocodile snout is more pointed and shaped like the letter V.

When the muzzle is closed, the crocodile will look like it is grinning and showing its teeth. Because the fourth tooth on each side of the crocodile’s lower jaw will always stick to its upper lip.

Meanwhile, when the alligator’s muzzle is closed, all the teeth in the lower jaw will be hidden. Because the upper jaw of the alligator is bigger than the lower jaw. So that when the muzzle is closed, the lower teeth will not be visible.

Also read: Crocodiles, Large Meat-eating Reptiles

The sizes and colors are also different

Reporting from Owlcation, the body size of an adult crocodile is greater than that of an adult alligator. Crocodile adults can grow to 19 feet or about five meters more, while adult alligators only have a maximum body size of 14 feet or about four meters.

In terms of color, crocodiles and alligators have differences. Crocodile skin color tends to be light brown or olive-like. Meanwhile, alligator skin is usually blackish gray, depending on the habitat.

Uniquely, alligator skin color is also influenced by the quality of the water in which it lives. If there is algae in these waters, the alligator’s skin can turn greener. Meanwhile, the presence of tannic acid from trees around the water will make the skin darker.

Where is its habitat?

Crocodiles have special glands in the tongue that function to remove excess salt on the tongue. This means that crocodiles can live for days or weeks in salty waters. However, the majority of crocodile habitat is indeed in salt water.

Just like crocodiles, alligators also have that specialized gland. However, they do not work well, so they are more happy and comfortable living in freshwater habitats. Although some alligators are also often found in brackish water (a mixture of fresh and salt water).

Also read: The Strongest Beasts in the World

Which is faster?

When on land, crocodiles and alligators are both fast. Both can run, but only for short distances or if they feel threatened. When asked who is faster?

Aligator have a walking speed or run faster than a crocodile. The speed can reach 18 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, crocodiles only have a maximum speed of about 14 kilometers per hour.

How about in the water? Who swims faster?

When swimming, alligators and crocodiles use their tails to propel their bodies forward. But the fastest is still the alligator, because these animals can swim at a maximum speed of 32 kilometers per hour. As for crocodiles, the maximum speed is only 15 kilometers per hour.

Who is more aggressive?

Alligators and crocodiles are very dangerous. But it turns out that alligators are more timid and try to run away when approached by humans. They will only attack humans if they feel threatened and their children are bullied.

Instinctively, alligators are afraid of humans. But his fear will disappear if the alligator and the human make casual contact, such as accidentally meeting.

The danger is that the alligator’s fear of humans will diminish when given food. Because they think humans are also a source of food, so they can attack dogs or young children at any time.

Unlike alligators, crocodiles have an irritable nature and like to attack humans, for no reason. Crocodiles do not have a friendly attitude towards humans, so cases of attacking humans by crocodiles are quite common.

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