Similarities and Differences in Crocodiles vs Alligators

Well to begin with, both Crocodiles and Alligators are from the same family of reptilians - the Crocodilians. In general Crocodiles have more things in common than they have differences between their species. Simply stated it is a fact that while all Crocodiles are not necessarily Alligators, but all Alligators are Crocodiles evolutionarily. There are three families of crocodilians: Crocodylidae includes 14 Crocodile species, Alligatoridae includes 7 species of alligators, and caimans, and Gavialidae or the gharial has one species only (which for purposes of this article is not included, but is a Crocodilian). Crocodiles and Alligators both live in wet habitats such as swamps, ponds, rivers, lakes and marshes throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, North, Central and South America. Crocodiles are generally much lighter in color. Alligators tend to be darker in color than crocodiles often nearly black or a greener skin. Crocodiles skin is also different from the alligators. Crocodile skin is covered in sensory pits. Alligators only have these pits near their jaws. Both Crocodiles and Alligators both can hold their breath under water for a long time because they don’t move much and therefore don’t expend a lot of energy. When submerging under water, they close their ear and nostril flaps. Crocodiles and Alligators are related to the dinosaurs, and are the only reptile to have a four-chambered heart, and  a muscular gizzard similar to birds. Both have a third eyelid, called the nictitating membrane that protects their eyes underwater, vibration sensors and touch receptors help them to feel movements of prey in the water. Both when feeding underwater use the back of the tongue acts as a valve to stop water from going into their lungs. Both can hold their breath from 4 - 15 minutes but can remain underwater for two hours if needed and if they aren’t stressed. Both Crocodiles and Alligators both will find spots to stalk camouflaged and motionless in the water waiting for prey to come to them. Both use their eyes and nostrils are high on their head so the rest of their body can be hidden underwater. Both surprise their prey. Both attack prey is only a short distance away, they will quickly snap its muscular jaws around the prey and drag it below the water to drown and eat it. Both eat anything from dragonflies and bats to sharks, antelopes and even buffalo. Although attacks on humans have occurred, most species of Crocodiles and Alligators don’t include humans as a food source in their diet. The American crocodile, black caiman and the Indian mugger will occasionally kill humans for food only to defend their nests or territories, and it has been suggested that a person bending down over a water source may resemble an antelope in the eyes of a crocodile and this is why the attacks occur.Crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators aand Crocodiles are generally more dangerous than alligators. Crocodiles almost invariably react aggressively and are for the most part more aggressive in their natural habitat, but in reality there are probably more incidents of humans being attacked by crocodiles than alligators because there are more crocodiles in existence. Alligators are very docile unless provoked. proof of this as opposed to crocociles can be observed when cleaning alligator pools, most zookeepers can tread on alligators with no attacks, and do so on a daily basis. Both crocodiles and alligators dangerous to keep as pets, potentially harming other pets or even people. Both species shed their teeth regularly, never have cavities, and can go months without feeding as long as their body temperature remains low. They roar like lions also snort, jaw snap and tail slap to establish dominance, territory, and aggression. Both Crocodiles and Alligators are extremely energy efficient, they are cold-blooded, which means they depend on heat from their environment to warm up their body. Females of both species lay their eggs in holes they dig in the sand or in large nests made of vegetation and mud, and may lay 10-15 eggs, she will guard the nest until she hears the cry of her babies, which break their shells with an egg tooth. Without the call of distress, the hatchlings may never see light, and it is she who then picks up her babies in her mouth and carries them to water, breaking the remaining shells and swallowing them. Crocodiles and Alligators both are seen often sitting with their mouths wide open, this behaviour is called gaping and is done when the crocodilian is basking in the sun, this may cool the crocodilian Both Crocodiles and Alligators also do this during rain and at night which suggests that gaping has a social function as well. The American alligator was one of the first animals to receive protection under the United States Endangered Species Act, they are no longer endangered but are still listed as threatened. and steps are being taken to cut poaching and repopulate species of crocodilians by setting up crocodile farms. Nearly all live in the rainforests and wetlands of developing countries which are being destroyed by development, logging and other industries, even their nesting areas along the river are disturbed by boat traffic. So some species, such as the Nile crocodile are endangered due to habitat destruction and the threat posed by poaching also reduces the crocodilian population. The most famous Crocodile is from the children's book Peter Pan, whose claim to fame was having eaten off the left hand of Captain Hook the pirate...although no historical facts are known to back up any Alligator having eaten the hand of any pirate captain real or imaginary. This Crocodile with its ticking clock belly, has warranted its own rides at Disneyworld and Disneyland theme parks. As well as several animated, live action, and broadway stage productions with the infamous Crocodile costar. The Crocodile Hunter, Crocodile Dundee, and others have donned the Crocodile title to give merits to their outdoorsmanship, and skill in the wild. Crocodile Rock was a sixties pop hit by Elton John. Both crocodiles and Alligators skins were used for fashion and designer clothing before becoming endangered species. Steps are being taken to cut poaching and repopulate species of crocodilians by setting up crocodile farms and Alligators have their own wildlife theme park in Florida, Gatorland.