You're Not A Croc!

In this blog, I will be answering the ultimate question: What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? Let's get physical. The easiest and quickest way to determine which is which is to look at the nose. Alligators have a "U" or shovel shape while crocodiles have a "V" or pointed snout. The alligator's shape is built for strength. It can withstand extreme amounts of pressure which they can use to eat hard shelled turtles. The crocodile's shape is designed for more general prey. Instead of biting down on a turtle, this jaw can be more accurate when biting down on a fish. Hopefully, you're never close enough to determine this, but alligators and crocodiles have a different way their teeth lay. An alligator's mouth overlaps, so only their top teeth show while their bottom teeth are tucked away. With the way a crocodile's jaw lays, their teeth are criss-crossed and both top and bottom teeth are exposed.

Shapes of the snout

Next big difference would be where they reside. Crocodiles like to swim in salt water habitats. Alligators would rather have freshwater marshes and lakes. Also, crocodiles can enjoy a day out in the sun. Alligators, however, prefer to be in some source of water. Usually, when one thinks of Florida, they think of an alligator. When one thinks of the Nile, they think of a crocodile.
Alligators and crocodiles also have many things in common which is what makes them so hard to tell apart. They both belong to the same family, Crocodylia, which means that they share a lot of similar characteristics. They both are ideal hunters. Their eyesight is top notch both above and below the water. Both of their teeth specialize in spearing their prey which also assists in taking large chunks of flesh of bones. This is a family said to have dated all the way back 240 million years ago, so it seems only fair that they have evolved to be a top predator. For any other questions, feel free to check out my links.   

Links: http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/cbd-faq-q1.htm
http://www.livescience.com/32144-whats-the-difference-between-alligators-and-crocodiles.html
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/alligator-vs-crocodile.htm