Alligators and crocodiles are large reptiles which can be distinguished based on physical characteristics. This can be important since crocodiles tend to be more dangerous to humans.
Parameters:
(1) geographic zone
(2) water habitat
(3) snout shape
(4) teeth visible when the jaws are closed
(5) adult color
(6) behavior
(7) maximum adult size
Parameter
Alligator
Crocodile
geographic zone
subtropics
tropics
water habitat
fresh water
brackish or salt water
snout shape
broad
narrow and pointed
teeth visible when the jaws are closed
only teeth of the upper jaw are visible due to complete overjet
teeth of both upper and lower jaws can be seen; 4th lower tooth is large and occludes into a notch in the upper jaw
adult color
greyish-black
tan or brown
behavior
more docile
aggressive
maximum adult size
14 feet
>= 19 feet
where:
• There are other features that distinguish these genera (hibernation, integumentary sense organs, salt glands, nesting sites, etc) but these features are usually not readily observable.
• The snout shape is not always reliable.
Interestingly South Florida is the only location in the world where both can be found together in the same habitat.
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