alligator crocodile différence

 

Crocodiles are more aggressive and run after their prey and attack instantly than alligators. Caïman vs Alligator vs Crocodile; Les caïmans, les alligators et les crocodiles sont parmi les plus grands reptiles vivants au monde. But the families they belong to, Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae respectively, differ. The reason for these differences is found in their chosen habitat. Due to the placement of its eyes, ears, and nose, a crocodile leaves the top of its head out when submerged under water and can still see, hear, and breathe. The snout is the biggest difference with the crocodile and the alligator. Alligator snouts are also shorter than crocodile snouts. 2. They're also defined by their jaws, which have incredibly powerful muscles for closing and weak muscles for opening. 10 Differences between Crocodile and Alligator (Crocodile vs Alligator) The crocodilians includes Crocodiles, Alligators, Gavials, Caimans. Crocodile, alligator et caïman appartiennent à l’ordre des crocodiliens, terme provenant d’un mot grec qui signifie “ver de galet”. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Here are more example sentences: One of the defining characteristics that helps you distinguish a crocodile from an alligator is a crocodile‘s toothy grin, which shows off both the top and bottom teeth. Lorsque la gueule du crocodile se referme, on peut encore … Both alligators and crocodiles are members of the reptilian order Crocodylia. Despite this proclivity for fun, crocodiles are still aggressive animals (particularly when it comes to their territory or children) and will attack and kill humans if provoked or threatened. Et surtout, un crocodile et un alligator ne se comporteront pas de la même manière face à vous. Caiman vs Alligator vs Crocodile. It has a bite strength over 3500 psi and is likely to attack, even when unprovoked. This is because an alligator’s upper jaw has small sockets on the inside that the teeth slot into when its mouth is closed. Crocodile et alligator : les différences physiquesLa tête des crocodiles est plutôt fine et pointue. As the human population continues to spread out, alligators and crocodiles increasingly appear in human environments. Alligators prefer to live in freshwater bodies while crocodiles prefer to live in salty water bodies. Crocodiles has a stout snout. Crocodiles hunt larger prey, such as sharks and large mammals such as buffaloes, apes, and even humans. Although alligators and crocodiles belong to the same group of reptiles, the only place where they coexist is south Florida. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? Within the Crocodilian order, their family is known as Crocodylidae. Crocodiles are considered the most social species of reptiles. Forme du museau. While they’ve been around for millions of years, human encroachment and hunting have left many types of crocodiles and alligators endangered. Le caïman, l’alligator et le crocodile appartiennent tous trois à l’ordre des crocodiliens, mais la première différence apparaît au niveau des familles : les alligators et les caïmans sont des Alligatoridés, tandis que les crocodiles sont de la famille des Crocodylidae. Ce terme constitu One of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is their color. While they might look the same from afar, experienced biologists give us a few clues by which we can tell them apart. Global map showing where crocodilians can be found, it's time to learn even more about the animal kingdom, Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, camel spider myths and the truth behind them, Slender-Snouted (Crocodylus cataphractus). Les crocodiles possèdent des écailles brunes ou vert olive alors que les alligators ont une peau grise et noire. De loin, il n’est pas trop difficile de faire la différence entre un alligator et un crocodile, simplement en regardant la forme du museau et la visibilité des dents. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. Mais avant de parler de la psychologie de ces charmants animaux (vous pouvez lire tout cela dans un autre article), continuons à être superficiels et à nous intéresser à leur apparence. De plus, une autre distinction se fait au niveau des dents. As for alligators, Chinese alligators are critically endangered; you’re more likely to see one in the zoo than in the wild, where reportedly fewer than 130 of them are left. Recent Share With Heading: difference between crocodile and alligator,difference between alligator and crocodile,compare Alligators and Crocodiles,owlcation different between alligator crocodile,what are the similarities between a crocodile and an alligator?, Tweet Pin It. In terms of movement, alligators and crocodiles are similarly athletic: both animals can run on land reaching speeds of about 11 miles per hour; however, their strength is swimming. They also differ in their colors; crocodiles are blackish gray in color while alligators are brownish in color. The word "crocodile" comes from the Ancient Greek word krokódeilos, which also means "lizard." Often, when people use the Stay up to date on the coronavirus outbreak by signing up to our newsletter today. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: © PrepScholar 2013-2018. This means they are at the top of their food chains and are vital to maintaining a habitat’s biodiversity. Snout Shape: Alligators have a wide, rounded, u-shaped snout, while crocodiles have long, pointed, v-shaped snouts. La gueule de l'alligator est plus large et sa partie inférieure a une forme en U, par contre, le museau du crocodile est plus mince et sa partie inférieure a une forme de V.. Il existe aussi une importante différence dans les dents et la structure de la mâchoire. Those differences are enough to put them all into different families when it comes to the scientific categorization. De plus les crocodiles se distinguent par leur taille beaucoup plus grande que celles des caïmans et des alligators. (This is why it’s so easy for humans to hold their jaws shut! While alligators appear dark in complexion, crocodiles are usually a lighter brown, green, or gray. Next are the teeth. By … Alligators can live anywhere from 30 to 50 years in the wild, although some in captivity have been estimated to live upwards of 70 years. A Comprehensive Guide. Alligators has a short broad and round snout. Mais la principale différence est leur répartition géographique. Les crocodiliens, qui incluent les crocodiles, les alligators, les caïmans et les gavials, sont les reptiles qui sont apparus sur terre il y a environ 210 millions d'années. L’une des questions que l’on se pose fréquemment est : “Quelle est la différence entre un crocodile et un alligator?” Nous pourrions rajouter: quelle est la différence entre ces animaux et le gavial, ou encore le caïman?. Différence principale - Alligator vs Crocodile . Les caïmans ne vivent qu’en Amérique du Sud, même si certains ont été introduits en Amérique du Nord. Differences Between Alligators And Crocodiles Alligator (top) and Crocodile (bottom) When trying to compare an alligator vs crocodile, your location is the first thing you should think about. Différence principale - Alligator vs Crocodile . Les crocodiles, les alligators et les caïmans ne vivent pas dans les mêmes régions du monde. It is an important topic which you may even want to include in your lesson plan, if your students are interested in this topic.. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. L’usage des peaux est inhérent à la taille des animaux : 80% des cuirs d’alligator et de crocodile, dont les tailles maximales avoisinent respectivement 3 … Keep reading to become an expert on alligator vs crocodile similarities and differences! Another difference is the shape of the teeth itself, where crocodiles have pointy teeth, alligators’ teeth are rounder. So, what are the differences between caimans, alligators, and crocodiles? De plus les crocodiles se distinguent par leur taille beaucoup plus grande que celles des caïmans et des alligators. Although smaller in size, a crocodile is perceived to be more aggressive than your average alligator. Check out our chart below for a quick recap on alligator–crocodile differences and similarities. She has spent several years working in higher education- including as an English teacher abroad and as a teaching assistant in science writing at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. À l’intérieur de cet ordre, on distingue 3 familles : les Crocodylidae (les “vrais” crocodiles), les Alligatoridés (qui comprend les alligators et les caïmans) la famille des Gavialidae (qui comprend les gavials). À l’âge adulte, un crocodile peut atteindre jusqu’à 5 mètres de longueur tandis que les alligators ne dépassent pas les 3 mètres. If you are in the United States, you will not see a crocodile unless you are at the southern tip of Florida. Have you ever wondered what the differences are between alligators and crocodiles? De loin, il n’est pas trop difficile de faire la différence entre un alligator et un crocodile, simplement en regardant la forme du museau et la visibilité des dents. Alligators have a wide \"U\"-shaped, rounded snout (like a shovel), whereas crocodiles tend to have longer and more pointed \"V\"-shaped noses. Global map showing where crocodilians can be found (Gretarsson/Wikimedia Commons). Quelle est la différence entre crocodile, alligator, caïman et gavial ? Alligators and crocodiles are reptiles from the same order, Crocodilia. The main difference between crocodiles and alligators is that they belong to different scientific families, Crocodylidae, and Alligatoridae respectively. Like all reptiles, crocodilians are cold-blooded and use their environment to help regulate their body temperature (e.g,. Crocodile, alligator, caïman… Quand on n’y connaît rien, on qualifie ce genre d’animal de crocodile alors que cela n’en est peut-être pas un. Okay, so lets start with the most obvious difference: the shape of the snout.As a general rule of thumb goes; Quelle est la différence entre crocodile, alligator, caïman et gavial ? One of the most common questions is who would win in a fight between an alligator and a crocodile? Les caïmans ne vivent qu’en Amérique du Sud, même si certains ont été introduits en Amérique du Nord. Crocodiles are large semi-aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the America and Australia. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. La destination produit permet aussi la distinction entre les cuirs d’alligator, de crocodile et de caïman. Coming face to face with a crocodile or an alligator, you'd see a mouth full of serrated teeth that would likely scare the bejeezus out of you. Differences between Crocodiles, Alligators and Caimans. Nous savons donc que les deux animaux n’ont pas la même couleur, mais ce n’est pas tout. What is the difference between alligator and crocodile? The main factor that distinguishes crocodiles from alligators is Comment faire la différence entre un crocodile et un alligator. These animals are semiaquatic (able to live on both land and water) and are known to be excellent stealth hunters with keen vision and powerful jaws. They have four limbs (legs) that are small in comparison to their overall bodies; webbed toes; and ears, nostrils, and eyes that sit on top of their heads. The two reptile groups are close relatives, so their physical similarities are expected. Another difference is color. You will receive a verification email shortly. La famille des alligators comprennent caïmans, alligators et les deux espèces. ), which determines who gets the best spot for soaking up the sun (i.e., a "basking site") to help regulate their body temperature and who gets priority eating in large group feedings. Alligators and Crocodiles Live In Different Locations . Among the crocodiles considered critically endangered are the Cuban, Orinoco, and Philippine. One of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is the snout. Ask questions; get answers. Meanwhile, several other crocodile species are considered vulnerable. Alligators and crocodiles have some interesting habits and social behaviors peculiar to their species. In alligators it’s broad and U-shaped, while in crocodiles it’s narrow and V-shaped. by hanging out in the sun to get warm, slipping into the shade or water to cool down etc.). Chez le crocodile, la 4ème dent de la mâchoire inférieure dépasse quand leur gueule est fermée. D'autres différences incluent la forme de leurs mâchoires et leurs pattes arrières. Alligator vs Crocodile: What’s the Difference? The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. Because they cannot chew their food, they are known to swallow prey whole. She has a dual-degree Master's from Sciences Po School of Journalism in Paris, and earned her Bachelor’s in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Alligators (and caimans) have a wide "U"-shaped, rounded snout (like a shovel), whereas crocodiles tend to have longer and more pointed "V"-shaped noses. Meanwhile, because of their saltwater environment, crocodiles tend to eat frogs, birds, fish, crustaceans (crab), and large mammals (wildebeest and zebras). New York, Their adaptability makes them more likely to be found throughout the world. Alligators and crocodiles are known as "apex predators." Brittany Logan graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with a Master of Science with Honors. Alligators and crocodiles share plenty of similarities, but there are actually key differences between them. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? En moyenne, les crocodiles mesurent 5m contre 3,5m pour un alligator. Crocodiles are highly carnivorous and formidable predators at the top of the food chain in their natural environments. Alligators' main distinguishing feature is their wide, U-shaped snouts, which help them crack through tough shells of prey. In addition, certain species are facing extinction due to being hunted by humans for their skin, the loss of their habitats, and contamination of their food from pesticides. Alligator vs. Crocodile Coloring. NY 10036. What Is Stronger, an Alligator or a Crocodile? L’alligator n’est ni un crocodile, ni un caïman ! Caiman vs Alligator vs Crocodile. Chinese alligators are also usually shorter than their American counterparts; they’ve been measured at 4.5 to 5 feet, whereas American alligators can range from 10 to 15 feet in length. If you’re traveling anywhere from Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Central, South, or North America, you’ll probably be correct in saying that you have encountered a crocodile. Alligators have a wide, rounded, "U"-shaped snouts with larger noses, whereas crocodiles have longer, thinner, pointed "V"-shaped snouts and smaller noses. It is loosely defined as "any broad-snouted crocodilian." Hey! Crocodiles et alligators sont deux familles de crocodiliens. We're also on Facebook & Google+. There are a handful of differences between Alligators and Crocodiles, especially in appearance. The Appearance of an Alligator vs. a Crocodile. L’une des différences les plus évidentes entre les alligators et les crocodiles est la forme du museau. These snouts are great for cracking through the variety of prey that crocodiles around the world eat. Taking AP Biology? Most people confuse them and they refer to them interchangeably. So, what are the differences between caimans, alligators, and crocodiles? L'une des plus grandes différences entre l'alligator et le crocodile est visible dans leur gueule. The largest populations of crocodiles can be found in Central Africa (Nile crocodile) and Asia (Borneo; saltwater crocodile). Attention, à ne pas confondre caïmans crocodiles et alligators. Les crocodiliens, qui incluent les crocodiles, les alligators, les caïmans et les gavials, sont les reptiles qui sont apparus sur terre il y a environ 210 millions d'années. La gueule de l'alligator est plus large et sa partie inférieure a une forme en U, par contre, le museau du crocodile est plus mince et sa partie inférieure a une forme de V.. Il existe aussi une importante différence dans les dents et la structure de la mâchoire. Alligators and crocodiles look similar. Color Differences Adult crocodiles are usually tan or brown, while the alligators typically have a color that is dark gray to black. Par conséquent, ce groupe est considéré comme l'un des … Les crocodiles possèdent des écailles brunes ou vert olive alors que les alligators ont une peau grise et noire. Par conséquent, ce groupe est considéré comme l'un des plus anciens groupes ayant vécu sur terre; ils sont connus comme «fossiles vivants. It’s speculated that the difference in snout shape is … In a hypothetical fight, the crocodile would be the most likely winner. Shape of the jaw: The easiest way of telling apart crocodiles from alligators, however, is to look at their noses. For those studying animals in biology, we’ve got you covered with our complete guide to animal cells. De son côté, le caïman est localisé dans les eaux douces d’Amérique centrale et d’Amérique du Sud. Both crocodiles and alligators are carnivores with slow metabolisms. Un crocodile, un alligator, un caïman ou un gavial ne peuvent pas tirer la langue. Crocodiles don’t begin mating until the summer months (July-August). Have your students ever asked you what the differences between alligators and crocodiles are? L’alligator n’est ni un crocodile, ni un caïman ! These semiaquatic animals are versatile eaters, fast swimmers, and socially complex. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! Or is it a crocodile? Les caïmans et les alligators ont un museau plus court et plus large que les crocodiles. All rights reserved. They’ve been around for about 200 million years—even outliving the dinosaurs! Toothy grin: When their snouts are shut, crocodiles look like they're flashing a toothy grin, as the fourth tooth on each side of the lower jaw sticks up over the upper lip. The smallest species (dwarf crocodile) can measure about 6 feet in length and weigh around 13 to 15 pounds, whereas the largest species (saltwater crocodile) can measure more than 20 feet in length and weigh close to 2,000 pounds! Check out our article on camel spider myths and the truth behind them. They're also known to play with each other, as well as with other animals and humans (in captivity). They are … Jeanna Bryner - Live Science Editor-in-Chief 1. Il existe en fait un certain nombre de grandes différences entre les crocodiles et les alligators, ce qui les rend assez faciles à distinguer. Visit our corporate site. The word "alligator" originates from the Spanish word el lagarto, which means "the lizard." Once you know these differences, you’ll be able to easily distinguish the two. Believe it or not, the difference in shape means that alligators can exert more strength from their mouths, which is useful in cracking open hard-shelled vertebrates, like turtles. "L’alligator et le crocodile sont deux reptiles de la même famille, les crocodilidés (vingt-trois espèces réparties entre alligators, crocodiles, gavials et caïmans). L'une des plus grandes différences entre l'alligator et le crocodile est visible dans leur gueule. Crocodile vs Alligator Fight. Pour cause, les crocodiles sont plus grands que les alligators et les caïmans. Ces trois familles sont regroupées dans l'ordre des crocodiliens mais certains détails les différencient distinctement. One of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is their color. Mais la principale différence est leur répartition géographique. Alligators have a wide, rounded, "U"-shaped snouts with larger noses, whereas crocodiles have longer, thinner, pointed "V"-shaped snouts and smaller noses. ... à la différence de l’alligator et du caïman qui possèdent une mâchoire large en forme de U. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. The question about crocodiles and their types arise very often. In this article, we’ll explain the main difference between alligator and crocodile species, as well as where you can find them, what they eat, and their relationship with humans. Crocodiles have a lifespan ranging from 70 to 100 years; however, their size can vary due to the number of species there are. Alligator snouts are also shorter than crocodile snouts. In fact, the only continents that don't have crocodiles are Antarctica and Europe. Alligators are considered less social than their reptilian cousins, though they are known to spend time together while basking or swimming. This makes crocodiles more dangerous than alligators. Alligators tend to be darker in color than crocodiles; alligators are dark blackish-grey, whereas crocodiles are light tan or olive color. Caimans live only in certain freshwater areas of South and Central America. Une longue queue, d’épaisses écailles, une morphologie adaptée à la vie aquatique, la ressemblance entre les crocodiles, les caïmans et les alligators est assez marquée. La gueule de l’alligator et du caïman est plus large formant un U, contrairement au crocodile qui possède un museau plus mince en forme de V. La mâchoire du gavial, elle, est très allongée et fine. There was a problem. Le crocodile marin, qui est le plus grand des crocodiles mesure plus de 7m tandis que l’alligator du Mississipi mesure environ 5m. Both alligators and crocodiles can lay dozens of eggs at a time, with the former averaging 20-50 eggs per batch and the latter averaging 10-60 eggs per batch. Bats who dip their bellies in rivers to collect water make excellent prey for hungry crocodiles! Crocodiles also have toothy smiles when they close their mouths: teeth from both the top and bottom parts of their mouths can be seen. Please refresh the page and try again. There are many differences between alligators and crocodiles, but these two reptiles also have a lot in common.Imagine this, you are canoeing on a river during a … On average, alligators tend to be smaller than crocodiles, weighing anywhere from 70 to 1,000 pounds. Crocodiles grow to reach a maximum of 18 to 19 feet (African dwarf crocodiles only grow to be 4 to 5 feet long), yet, just like alligators, their entire body is covered with scales. your own Pins on Pinterest A Nile crocodile (Leigh Bedford/Wikimedia Commons). Féroces et redoutables, ils ont la réputation collective d’être parmi les prédateurs naturels les plus féroces du monde. Alligators and Crocodiles are two species which have been deemed similar for a long while before the actual differences between them were known to humans. Chez les alligators, la mâchoire supérieure est plus large que la mâchoire inférieure et la chevauche complètement. Case in point: big cats such as tigers, lions, and jaguars have been known to hunt and eat crocodiles when the mood (and hunger) strikes. When alligators close their mouths, usually only teeth from the top part of their mouths are visible. Crocodile, alligator, caïman : quelles différences ? Lest you think all crocodilians do is slink through the water looking for prey, think again. Crocodiles have pointed V-shaped snouts. Alligators and crocodiles are two reptiles from the Crocodilia order. N’oubliez pas votre brosse à dents. Alligators are known to have darker hides than crocodiles, often appearing black or dark gray in color. Thank you for signing up to Live Science. Il arrive souvent que l'on confonde alligators et crocodiles, et ces mots sont souvent utilisés sans distinction. The alligator’s snout is shaped this way, perhaps due to the nature of its diet. Les caïmans et les alligators ont un museau plus court et plus large que les crocodiles. The crocodile has a V-shaped snout and is also longer and narrower, while the alligator has a U shaped snout, and it is also wider and blunt. La destination produit, une différence de taille. Ask below and we'll reply! Because alligators can't process salt the way crocodiles can, they prefer warmer climates and freshwater environments, such as swamps, lakes, and rivers. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? Unlike their alligator cousins, crocodiles can live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. One notable difference is located on the hind legs of both crocodiles and alligators. For alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower one, so when they close their mouths, all their teeth are hidden. These scaly reptiles have been confusing and confounding humans for, well, pretty much forever. © Le crocodile vit généralement dans les régions chaudes, comme l’Amérique du Nord, l’Afrique, l’Asie et l’Australie. Ce sont des reptiles aquatiques ovipares et carnivores qui vivent dans les zones tropicales et subtropicales de la planète. Alligators are more hostile as compared to crocodiles, which is against the usual While alligators appear dark in complexion, crocodiles are usually a lighter brown, green, or gray. Being part of the Crocodylidae family, Crocodiles mainly spread along eastern India, South-east Asia, and northern Australia. Interestingly, crocodiles have their own social hierarchy based on size and height (the largest one wins! Malgré nos astuces, vous vous êtes fait mordre par un alligator ou un crocodile ? Les alligators (Alligator) forment un genre de crocodiliens de la famille des Alligatoridés. Ayez toujours une bonne brosse à dents sur vous. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. La différence entre Alligator et le crocodile Dans ce cas, seul le nom. One of the most obvious differences between alligators and crocodiles is the shape of the snout. When alligators have algae growth on their skin, they will appear more greenish. The easiest way to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators is to look at their snouts. Voici ce que nous en pensons : 1. Here's the full list of alligator vs crocodile species: All crocodilians have roughly the same physiology: a lizard-like body and a tough, scaly skin, with an elongated snout and tails (flattened sideways). Alligators and crocodiles can reach speeds upwards of 20 miles per hour in the water and can stay submerged for an hour at a time. Crocodiles are often mistaken for alligators and caimans. Unlike alligators, crocodile snouts are long, narrow, and pointed (or "V-shaped"). In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth. Climate change threatens the freshwater habitats of alligators, as the rise in sea levels could inundate freshwater sources with saltwater. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Une différence de taille existe également entre ces espèces. Alligator et la forme caiman une famille . ), A Chinese alligator (Daiju Azuma/Wikimedia Commons). As is typical of apex predators (such as big cats, killer whales, and humans), these reptiles have no natural predators. The Size Difference of the Two Reptiles. Les crocodiles ont un museau long et pointu en forme de V, tandis que les alligators ont un museau arrondi en forme de U. 2. Now that you're an expert on alligator–crocodile differences, it's time to learn even more about the animal kingdom. Les caïmans comme les alligators, font partis de la famille des Alligatoridés. L’une des questions que l’on se pose fréquemment est : “Quelle est la différence entre un crocodile et un alligator?” Nous pourrions rajouter: quelle est la différence entre ces animaux et le gavial, ou encore le caïman?. Snout shape: Alligators have wider, U-shaped snouts, while crocodile front ends are more pointed and V-shaped. The most prominent difference to know about the two reptiles is the snout shape. - ALLIGATOR VS CROCODILETo most people, alligators and crocodiles look similar. Unlike alligators, crocodile snouts are long, narrow, and pointed (or "V-shaped"). There are many dissimilarities among these two animals, and they will be discussed in detail to give a general idea of how they are separated from each other. These tunnels help protect them from extreme temperatures (hot and cold). While there are only two living species of alligators, there are over a dozen species of crocodiles found around the world. Main Differences between Alligator and Crocodile. Gray or black? So, the first difference is that alligators and crocodiles are actually in different families. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, (Image credit: National Park Service photos by Rodney Cammauf. They are members of the order Crocodilia, which also includes Caimans, Gharials and alligator. Have you ever wondered what the differences are between alligators and crocodiles? Alligators are also known to dig "gator holes" in the dirt or mud when the weather gets to be too much. Nevertheless, crocodiles and alligators aren’t immune to being hunted. Then read our expert guide to the AP Biology test for tips to help you ace the exam. 15 September 2012. They do share many of the features but they are different. An alligator’s upper jaw is wider than its lower jaw, meaning that teeth on its lower jaw are almost completely hidden when its mouth is closed.