Alligators are a darker, blackish-grey in color, while crocodiles are a lighter, olive green or brown color. crocodiles have a narrower, V-shape, while alligator have a wider, U-shaped snout. Both species are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Alligator and crocodile are the most common crocodilian species in the United States, but they are not the only species of crocodilians.
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Are alligators and crocodiles both reptiles?
The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), which has a rounded snout reminiscent of an alligator, is an exception to the rule. Both of these reptiles have tiny black spots on their snouts.
Are alligators and crocodiles genetically related?
According to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications, the genes in alligators, crocodiles and gharials are nearly identical to those in humans.
“This is the first time that we’ve been able to show that alligator and crocodile DNA is very similar to human DNA,” said study co-author David Reich, a geneticist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. DNA from the mouth of a gator.
Reich et al. (Nature Communications) (PhysOrg.com) — A team of researchers led by a University of California, San Diego (UCSD) professor has found that the DNA of all four species of crocodilians, including gators and caimans, is more closely related to the human genome than previously thought.
Can a crocodile and alligator mate?
Can crocodiles and alligators mate? Yes, they can’t. They are too far apart because of their genetics. They split into different genera a long time ago. Alligators are much larger than crocs. They can grow up to 6 feet in length. Crocs are about the same size as a small dog. The difference in size is due to the fact that crocodilians have much more muscle mass.
A crocodilian has more than twice the amount of muscle compared to a human being. This means that a croc can lift more weight than a person can. Also, the muscles in a Croc’s arms and legs are stronger than those in an Alligator’s arm and leg muscles.
Who is stronger alligator or crocodile?
Crocodiles win the fight because they’re bigger, stronger, and more aggressive than alligators. Although the chances of them meeting are not great due to population differences and ranges, a match between these two giants would be interesting to watch.
Do alligators eat alligators?
“Adult alligators are known to eat other (typically smaller) alligators.”. For your convenience, the Department of Natural Resources has a lovely definition of alligator, which states that it is a threat to the survival of the alligator. Alligators can be found in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and the Carolinas.
Did alligators evolve from crocodiles?
The first alligator ancestors evolved some 245 million years ago. crocodilians appeared around 80 million years ago. This group includes alligatoroids, as well as their close relatives. Alligators have a long snout, large jaws, and powerful jaws that can tear through soft tissue. Their skin is tough and waterproof, making them excellent swimmers.
