If we go back to the journey of ancient times is only as far away as the local zoo. Now, peoples can see alligators and crocodiles, remains of the dinosaur stage. The alligator family involves the caiman, and the crocodile family involves gavial; and they both are found in many parts of the world. Alligators and crocodiles are strong creatures that have obvious similarities, but they do also have differences.
First, alligators and crocodiles have the same physical types, yet there are a few precise differences. They both have an extended tail, thick bumpy skin, sharp teeth, and short legs. However, alligators are darker in color. Adult alligators are grayish black, whereas adult crocodiles are light tan to brown in color. Another contrast is that most crocodiles have green eyes, while alligators have brown one. Alligators have U-shaped heads, while crocodiles have longer and more pointed V-shaped. Crocodiles have a longer, wider nose, with eyes farther forward.
If we look at an alligator and then to the crocodile, he/ she will notice a change in their mouths: Both alligators and crocodiles have the fourth tooth on both sides of the mouth is very long. When an alligator closes his mouth, those long teeth slide into the mouth and fade. And when a crocodile closes his mouth, the long teeth stay visible, and they stick outside the upper jaw.
In addition to physical types, the two animals can be compared according to the way they prey their food. Alligators and crocodiles are both carnivores, which mean they eat meat. They are afraid of human beings because they are very dangerous. American crocodiles can be dangerous to humans. In contrast, alligator attacks on humans are typically a result of suckling of alligators. Once a human feeds an alligator, it waits for food whenever they see someone. Also, alligators are caring parents, and an undeveloped alligator may have a mother who stays near and will protect her young by attacking anything that comes too close. They are best appreciated at a safe distance for the protection of both persons and alligators.
The final feature for comparison and contrast is the creatures’ habitat. Both alligators and crocodiles live close to the water. They both are reptiles, and so they both live in the water and on land. Nevertheless, alligators are freshwater reptiles and they like rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes of the coast. On the other side, crocodiles choose coastal or salt water habitats.
While at first look, alligators and crocodiles look similar, infect they are two quite unlike species. The color of their eyes and skin, plus the shape of their heads, varies despite the fact that they both have a long tail, thick bumpy skin, sharp teeth, and short legs. Although they are carnivores, their jaws and mouths are not similar at all. Another difference is that crocodiles are aggressive; however an alligator is afraid of human beings. Although the habitat of both is in the water and on land, alligators choose to live near freshwater while the crocodile lives near seawater.