It turns out that there are still many people who think that alligators and crocodiles are the same animal. In fact, the two animals have significant differences.
As explained in the journal Pathology of Wildlife and Zoo Animals, alligators and crocodiles both belong to the taxonomic order Crocodilia. So do not be surprised if the two animals have a physical form that is not much different.
The taxonomic order Crocodilia itself is a reptile animal that is the largest in size compared to other reptiles. It is known that these reptiles have existed since the Late Cretaceous or Cretaceous period around 83.5 million years ago.
In addition, the taxonomic order Crocodilia is divided into three main families, namely Alligatoridae or alligators, Crocodylidae or crocodiles and Gavialidae or gharials. As time goes by, alligators and crocodiles are far apart from each other so that they continue their own evolution.
Even though both are like areca nut halved, when viewed from a physical perspective, the most striking difference between an alligator and a crocodile is in the shape of the snout and teeth.
So, what are the differences between alligators and crocodiles? To find out the others, you don't need to worry because the way to distinguish them is quite easy to recognize. Come on, see this article together.
Difference between Alligator and Crocodile
Quoted by us from Livescience, Thursday (15/12/2022). The following is information about some of the differences between alligators and crocodiles that you should know. Listen, here's the explanation.
Differences in the shape of the muzzle
The first difference lies in the shape of the muzzles of the two reptiles. If you pay attention, the alligator's muzzle resembles the letter U which looks wider. Whereas in crocodiles, the shape of the muzzle resembles the letter V which is slightly sharper than the alligator.
Differences in Tooth Shape
The next difference lies in the shape of the teeth. Where when the alligator is closing its mouth, the teeth that are visible are only those located on the upper jaw. This is because the alligator has a much larger upper jaw than the lower jaw. That is why the alligator's lower teeth are not visible.
Unlike reptiles, which are much darker in color, crocodiles have jaws that are the same size. Thus, the shape of the teeth in crocodiles appears more clearly above and below each other.
Differences in the Bones of the feet
The next difference is not only in the shape of the muzzle and teeth. But the difference is also found in the leg bones. Alligators have a humerus, which is a shorter front leg. In addition, the alligator's hind legs also have shorter femurs when compared to reptiles that have lighter skin colors.
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Differences in the Location of Game Detector Sensory Organs
Both alligators and crocodiles, both of them have a small black spot called the Integumentary Sense Organ (ISO) on the reptile's head. ISO or so-called sensory organs are used by predators as a detector of changes in pressure in the water produced by prey.
To find this ISO, the alligator is located on its head and around its mouth. Meanwhile, crocodiles have ISO in almost every part of their body.
Differences in Behavior
Not only in physical form, the difference between alligators and crocodiles is found in the behavior of the two reptiles. Alligators and crocodiles are fast animals when on land. Where both of them can run with a fairly short distance when they feel threatened.
For information, when on land the speed of an alligator can reach 18 kilometers per hour and the maximum speed of a crocodile reaches 14 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, in water, alligators can swim at speeds of 32 kilometers per hour and crocodiles can swim at speeds of only 15 kilometers per hour.
Even though the alligator has superior speed compared to the crocodile, judging from its aggressiveness it seems that the alligator is not as aggressive as the crocodile. Alligators are also considered more timid when approached by humans. But alligators will attack humans when disturbed and feel threatened.
Meanwhile, crocodiles are considered as aggressive and ferocious animals. The reason is, there are many incidents regarding this one reptile that likes to attack humans and even eat them to death.
In addition, you also need to remember that these two reptiles are very dangerous animals. So, don't try to approach this animal without supervision!