Members of the orders total group, the clade pseudosuchia, appeared about 250. The fourth tooth of a crocodile sticks out when they close their mouth. Alligators and crocodiles, like most reptiles, also lay eggs and their skin is covered with hard, dry scales. One of the biggest differences between alligators and crocodiles can be seen in their snout. Whats the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. There is a general size difference between alligators and crocodiles. Alligators and crocodiles are the worlds largest reptiles and the closest living relatives of dinosaurs. They include 14 species of crocodiles and false gharials in the family crocodylidae. It is applicable to both farmed and captive animals. Whats the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. Alligators can be differentiated from true crocodiles by the form of their jaw and teeth.
Crocodiles in the wild are found all over the world, but alligators found in the us and in china. Know the difference between crocodiles and alligators. After discussing the characteristics, the story moves on to explain the differences between alligators and crocodiles. Alligators have a wide, rounded, ushaped snouts with larger noses, whereas crocodiles have longer, thinner, pointed vshaped snouts and smaller noses. The crocodiles slimmer snouts are flexible for fishhunting while the alligators are wider, giving them greater power to crush their food prey. The book is short with a total of 16 pages that discusses the differences between alligators and crocodiles. May 08, 2003 this book is a comprehensive reference work on the biology, management and health of crocodiles, alligators and gharials. Crocodilia or crocodylia is an order of mostly large, predatory, semiaquatic reptiles, known as crocodilians. Crocodiles and alligators are also found in different locations around the globe. The introductory chapter describes crocodilian anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and behaviour. Around since the time of dinosaurs, crocodiles and alligators eat without chewing, have three eyelids, and provide good living conditions for other animals. In that 50 % are belongs to crocodylus family whether oth. Alligators have wide, round jaws with ushaped snouts.
For alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower one, so when they close their mouths, all their teeth are hidden. There are total 28 numbers of species are existinig today of the crocodilians. Zoo book sales a highly recommended site for finding both new and used books on crocodiles, alligators and caimans. Apr 25, 2017 one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between the crocodiles and alligators is by looking at the shape of their snout.
Sometimes alligators are called gators for short and sometimes crocodiles are called crocs for short. This book is a comprehensive reference work on the biology, management and health of crocodiles, alligators and gharials. Alligators are more hostile as compared to crocodiles, which is against the usual. Whereas, crocodiles are a light tan or olive green in color with a vshaped snout that is longer and narrow in front. Learn about the differences between crocodiles and alligators its a series of kids picture books 1 ebook. This blue angels show routine was used in 2017an adult crocodile may reach the length of 6 meters. Aug 07, 2001 crocodiles and alligators may seem ferocious and scary, but renowned science author seymour simon confirms that they. Alligator, either of two crocodilians related to the tropical american caimans. Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Reptiles and amphibians reptile reptiles from top to bottom, we have the american crocodile, spectacled caiman and american alligator. Since completing university, paul has worked as a librarian, teacher, and freelance writer. Jan 01, 2001 after discussing the characteristics, the story moves on to explain the differences between alligators and crocodiles. There have been many books with 1,000s of pages dedicated to showing the difference between the two similar, but totally different, species, but this book does more in 20 short pages then many treatises on the subject. An adult crocodile can grow up to roughly 19 feet long, whereas for alligators the length is around 14 feet.
The term can also be used more loosely to include all members of the order crocodilia. In alligators its broad and ushaped, while in crocodiles its narrow and vshaped. Crocodiles and alligators are the biggest reptilians on the planet. This comprehensive survey of crocodiles, alligators, and caimans provides a captivating introduction to what is known about crocodilians. Physical differences between alligators and crocodiles include their skin color, the shapes of their jaws and their teeth placement. Crocodiles in the wild are found all over the world, but alligators found in. A newly discovered difference between alligators and crocodiles. In this extremely interesting nonfiction picture book, gibbons compares the two reptiles by giving facts about boththeir physical differences, what they eat, where they are found, how fast they swim how they raise their young, and more. Difference between alligator and crocodile alligator vs. So, the first difference is that alligators and crocodiles are actually in different families. Alligators and caimans have a wide ushaped, rounded snout like a shovel, whereas crocodiles tend to have longer and more. Another difference between alligators and crocodiles that can easily be noticed is the slight difference in their color. While they do share many of the same features, they couldnt be any more different to a trained professional.
That includes the differences seen in their limb proportions, according to dr. Many people are unaware that theres a difference between alligators and crocodiles and use both terms interchangeably to describe any large waterdwelling lizard with big teeth. This is certainly the case in south florida, where gauging the length or mass of a crocodilian wont do much to aid in identification. The alligator family includes the caiman, and the crocodile family includes the gavial. This book is excellent for teaching your kids the difference between alligators and crocodiles. There are three groups, or families, of crocodilians. Crocodiles normally have lighter skin, usually in the colours of olive green or brown. Alligators, while definitely dangerous, are relatively timid as compared to crocodiles, and will generally try to escape if approached by humans, usually heading for.
The story ends by giving examples of different species within the this photographic nonfiction book gives many examples of the similarities and. Aug 11, 2017 alligators and crocodiles are fascinating for most children. Alligators and crocodiles are fascinating for most children. Learn about the differences between crocodiles and alligators its a series of kids picture books 1 free expedited delivery and up to 30% off rrp on select textbooks shipped and sold by amazon au. What are the differences between an alligator and a. How to tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Difference between alligators and crocodiles compare the. Most people confuse the alligators and crocodiles, as they are both huge, scaly lizards of prey.
Alligators are freshwater animals, while crocodiles live in saltwater. Just choose books based on your childs age and what you think will engage. Mar 12, 2018 the most obvious way to tell a crocodile, left, from an alligator, is from their snouts. The main difference is that alligators and caiman all members of the alligator family.
Sep 15, 2012 for alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower one, so when they close their mouths, all their teeth are hidden. The most obvious way to tell a crocodile, left, from an alligator, is from their snouts. The most obvious difference comes from their appearances. Oct, 2011 bob freer tells us over at the grow out pins what the differences are between alligators, crocodiles, and caimans. Figure out the difference between alligator vs caiman vs crocodile. Crocodiles tend to have vshaped faces, while alligators sport shorter, ushaped snouts. Typically, crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators, which makes crocodiles more dangerous than alligators. Zoo book sales a highly recommended site for finding both. South florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live alongside each other. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. Crocodyliaphysical characteristicsthe order crocodylia, also known as the crocodilians, includes 23 species of the most feared and most fascinating animals on the planet.
Buy crocodiles and alligators of the world of the world new ed by david. Difference between alligator and crocodilesimilarities. What is the difference between a aligator and a crocodile. How to tell the difference between a crocodile and. Alligators and crocodiles by gail gibbons paperback.
In this extremely interesting nonfiction picture book, gibbons compares the two reptiles by. Difference between crocodiles and alligators difference wiki. The typical crocodile tends to have a coloration that is an olive brown hue. In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth. Crocodiles tend to have a longer vshaped snout whereas alligators have a broader ushaped snout. An alligator s broad snout is built for strength to help them crush their hardshelled prey such as turtles. Crocodiles exist both in freshwater and saltwater, whereas alligators prefer freshwater environments. Other differences include their environments and aggressiveness. Crocodiles tend to live in saltwater habitats, while alligators. Explore our editors picks for the best kids books of the month. The teeth of a crocodile are visible, even when the crocodiles mouth is closed, while alligator teeth are invisible until the mouth is open. As others have pointed out, in any other animal group a split that old would lead to alarmingly different modern re. To the untrained eye, both look like prehistoric swamp lizards, but there are some tricks you can use so you dont make a faux pas the next time youre in florida.
Despite their superficial similarities, the alligator and crocodile families split from a common ancestor 93100 million years ago. While there are plenty of differences between alligators and crocodiles, there are also a lot of similarities. The length of the book is good as it was just long. Interview with alligator differences between alligators. The best alligator and crocodile books for kids living. The 8 main differences between alligators and crocodiles.
How to tell the difference between a crocodile and an. They both have scaly skin, huge teeth, and powerful jaws. Crocodiles and alligators of the world of the world. An alligator s snout is wider, and the bottom part is ushaped. One chapter is devoted to important aspects of crocodile farming, namely nutrition. To most people, alligators and crocodiles look similar. Jan 06, 2011 the crocodiles slimmer snouts are flexible for fishhunting while the alligators are wider, giving them greater power to crush their food prey. Why are crocodiles and alligators not the same animal. Alligators and crocodiles by gail gibbons 2010 description. The book begins by playing on our fear of alligators and crocodiles, describing one of these giant reptiles gliding through the water, slowly appearing above the surface. All of these species are on display at the everglades alligator farm. Chapter three then shows how crocodiles and alligators build nests to lay eggs.
Apr 25, 2020 alligators and crocodiles are also slightly different colors. What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. Crocodiles, on the other hand, tend to be more light tan to olive green in colorthe prince is wearing a white shirt, blue shorts and blue socks adult alligators can live anywhere between 30 and. Bob freer tells us over at the grow out pins what the differences are between alligators, crocodiles, and caimans.
Despite being entirely different animals sharing the order crocodilia, but not a family, people often wonder about the difference between crocodiles and alligators. The main difference between crocodiles and alligators is that they belong to different scientific families, crocodylidae, and alligatoridae respectively. These identification clues and many more can all be found in whats the difference. Reptiles figure out the difference between alligator vs caiman vs crocodile. Other things to look for include head shape and skin color. The majority of the book describes similarities between alligators and crocodiles. The easiest way of telling apart crocodiles from alligators, however, is to look at their noses. In contrast, a crocodile s snout is thinner and the bottom is vshaped. What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. Crocodiles and alligators may seem ferocious and scary, but renowned science author seymour simon confirms that they. Jan 28, 2006 a crocodile is any species belonging to the family crocodylidae sometimes classified instead as the subfamily crocodylinae. Alligators are darker in color, nearly black with a ushaped snout. Check out the seven main differences between alligators and crocodiles below, along with a few interesting facts about the two of them. So how do you tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators.
I adore books, so i want to share some of my and zoeys favorite alligator and crocodile books for kids. Alligators possess a broad ushaped snout and have an overbite. A newly discovered difference between alligators and. Alligators and crocodiles are both relics of the dinosaur age, facing an uncertain future as humans encroach on their territory. Alligators usually have a darker, almost black appearance.
As a general rule, the toothier the crocodilian, the more likely it is a crocodile. Those of alligators are wider and shorter, and crocodiles top and bottom teeth are interlaced and. Whats the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Boris johnson conjointe alligators vs crocodiles differences. Difference between alligators and crocodiles size taking all species into account, the difference between alligators and crocodiles size is small and hard to gauge. Crocodiles and alligators rookie readabout science. Apr, 2020 alligator, either of two crocodilians related to the tropical american caimans. Herpetology books online here youll find a variety of crocodilian publications for sale, ranging from current books to fairly old publications and reprints. Alligators and crocodiles are also slightly different colors. In crocodiles and gharials they are found all over the body. Alligators tend to have a darker skin than crocodiles do. A book about alligators and crocodiles by melvin a. Not sure of the difference between gators and crocs.
There is also a significant difference in teeth and the structure of the jaw. Read below for the main differences between alligators and crocodiles. Oct 24, 20 in alligators they are only found around the jaws. With the use of eighteen stunning fullcolour photographs, simon explores the wonders. Jul 03, 2018 how to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator chad gillis, the newspress published 11. Alligators usually have darker skin than crocodiles. Crocodiles have a longer, more vshaped head than alligators. The florida everglades is the only place on earth in which both alligators and crocodiles coexist. Apr 08, 2020 the easiest way to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators is to look at their snouts. They first appeared 95 million years ago in the late cretaceous period cenomanian stage and are the closest living relatives of birds, as the two groups are the only known survivors of the archosauria. To distinguish the two, alligators have a more ushaped snout while crocodiles have a more pointed or vshaped one. What are the differences between an alligator and a crocodile. Take a look at the link for some of the major differences. A crocodile is any species belonging to the family crocodylidae sometimes classified instead as the subfamily crocodylinae.