For alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower one, so when they close their mouths, all their teeth are hidden. Crocodiles in the wild are found all over the world, but alligators found in the us and in china. There are total 28 numbers of species are existinig today of the crocodilians. Alligators and caimans have a wide ushaped, rounded snout. Physically, the snout and jawline are unique to each, and probably the easiest way to distinguish an alligator from a crocodile. Im staying right here at my desk looking at our collection of books about alligators and crocodiles. Although they look similar, there are a few key physical characteristics that can help you easily distinguish between crocodiles and alligators. Distinguish alligators from crocodiles for students 1st 2nd.
Alligators and crocodiles kindle edition by gail gibbons. In this article, well 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. Alligators and crocodiles free essays, term papers. Which reptile is only found in the southern us and china. Tumble bumble felicia bond 1886910154 9781886910157 this joyful rhyming book by the illustrator of if you give a mouse a cookie is sure to become a favorite. Interview with alligator differences between alligators and crocodiles crocodilians thats the family name of both alligators and crocodiles. In that 50 % are belongs to crocodylus family whether oth. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. While there are plenty of differences between alligators and crocodiles, there are also a lot of similarities. As others have pointed out, in any other animal group a split that old would lead to alarmingly different modern re. Teeth crocodiles have a notch behind the external nostrils through which an enlarged 4 th tooth on the lower jaw projects upward.
Tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. The most obvious way to discern the two reptiles is to stare down their sinister snouts. A newly discovered difference between alligators and crocodiles. Sometimes alligators are called gators for short and sometimes crocodiles are called crocs for short. Alligators and crocodiles by gail gibbons 2010 description. Find crocodiles and alligators lesson plans and teaching resources. All of them are terrific introductions to alligators and crocodiles for kids between the ages of 6 and 9. You can tell alligators and crocodiles apart mostly by the width of their. To most people, alligators and crocodiles look pretty similar. Killer croc batman, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by dc comics and. The above points are amongst the most obvious differences between crocodiles and alligators in terms of external appearance. Alligators and crocodiles, like most reptiles, also lay eggs and their skin is covered with hard, dry scales.
Adults eat mammals and are even known to attack humans. The 8 main differences between alligators and crocodiles. In contrast to alligators and caimans, when true crocodiles close their jaws the enlarged 4th tooth on the lower jaw rests in that notch, and its tip is clearly visible. Now i know that a crocodiles head is more narrow and its snout is more pointed that an alligators. How to tell the difference between a crocodile and an.
They may look the same but alligators are actually different from crocodiles. However, each species is unique, and to list all the possible differences would be like comparing a jaguar with a lion. There are 14 species of true crocodiles, in three genera. Crocodiles are large reptiles that belong to the order crocodilia.
Many people are unaware that theres a difference between alligators and crocodiles and use both terms interchangeably to describe any large waterdwelling lizard with big teeth. Gail gibbons shares the differences between alligators and crocodiles in this informative nonfiction book. If you have a child interested in learning more, i would recommend a trip to the museum of science or checking out one of these titles. In alligator, the umbilical scar is an elongated webbed pattern nestled between the immediately recognizable rectangular tiles of the leather. The upper teeth of alligators are straight and enclose the lower teeth. This is a list of fictional crocodiles and alligators from literature, folklore and myth, mascots and emblems of teams and organizations, comics, films, animations and video games. She describes the physical similarities and differences between the two most common species of the worlds largest reptiles, as well as their habitats. In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth.
It is true that alligators and crocodiles are reptilian relatives. What they dont realize is that, despite some similarities, the two reptiles dont look or behave the same. There are some signs that make it easy to distinguish between the two, if you know what to look for. Whats the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Its not that hard to tell an american alligator from a crocodile if you know what to look for. Alligators were first seen by spanish soldier exploring north america. Alligators possess a broad ushaped snout and have an overbite. Despite their superficial similarities, the alligator and crocodile families split from a common ancestor 93100 million years ago. Zoo book sales a highly recommended site for finding both new and used books on crocodiles, alligators and caimans. How to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. List of fictional crocodiles and alligators wikipedia.
Alligators and crocodiles share plenty of similarities, but there are actually key differences between them. In this reptile distinction worksheet, students practice distinguishing the differences between crocodiles and alligators by printing the words several times on the. The crocodiles snout is pointed and vshaped, and the alligators is wide and u. Crocodiles have a longer, more vshaped head than alligators. Coming face to face with a crocodile or an alligator, youd see a mouth full of serrated teeth that would likely scare the bejeezus out. Do you know the differences between a crocodile and an alligator. Learn about the differences between crocodiles and alligators its a series of kids picture books 1 ebook. This classic alphabet book features a family of alligators doing the things youd expect alligators to do. I found the information on sensory pits to be the most interesting, i need to know more. Read below for the main differences between alligators and crocodiles. Alligators have a wide, broad nose but a crocodile will usually have a narrow nose. Interview with alligator differences between alligators. Members of the orders total group, the clade pseudosuchia, appeared. Alligators and crocodiles are from the same scientific order, but from different families.
This is a major distinction between true crocodiles and alligators and caimans. When crocodiles close their mouths, both upper and lower teeth are visible. Alligators all around, by maurice sendak alligators all around and not a crocodile to be found. This book was written by gail gibbons, who is a wellknown childrens author. The most obvious way to tell a crocodile, left, from an alligator, is from their snouts.
Alligators and crocodiles both have umbilical scars in different patterns. This is a list of fictional crocodiles and alligators from literature, folklore and myth, mascots and emblems of teams and organizations, comics, films, animations and video games this list is subsidiary to the list of fictional animals. In addition, like nearly all other reptiles, they lay eggs and their skin is covered with hard, dry scales. Crocodiles and alligators compare and contrast third grade. Alligators have shorter muzzle than crocodiles but you wouldnt notice it on the first glance. Alligators have ushaped faces that are wide and short.
It is restricted to notable crocodilian characters from notable works of fiction. Alligator, either of two crocodilians related to the tropical american caimans. And southern florida is about the only place you can find both alligators and crocodiles living. Crocodiles were first seen by greek travelers exploring egypt. This book is a comprehensive reference work on the biology, management and health of crocodiles, alligators and gharials. Both crocodiles and alligators bury their eggs in sand or mud until their babies hatch. Which reptile is found in many parts of the world, including africa, australia, and america. Why are crocodiles and alligators not the same animal. One of the most commonly asked questions is what is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator.
A book about alligators and crocodiles by melvin a. Many folks find it difficult to distinguish between an alligator and a crocodile, so im writing the facts as a public service to assist those who may be confused. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Whats the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. Although they look similar, there are a few key physical. Very young crocodiles and alligators eat worms and insects. Herpetology books online here youll find a variety of crocodilian publications for sale, ranging from current books to fairly old publications and reprints. I have been confusing alligators for crocodiles and crocodiles for alligators for years, so this book was pretty interesting for me. How are crocodiles and alligators different and similar. Childrens books about alligators and crocodiles sommer. One of the most distinguishing features is their snouts. A newly discovered difference between alligators and.
The fourth tooth of a crocodile sticks out when they close their mouth. Rescued from a much loved and read reference book on animals is this vintage 1984 book plate featuring crocodiles, alligators speckled caiman, nile. Alligators and crocodiles are commonly confused with one another, and the words are often used interchangeably. Whats the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. Alligators and crocodiles are similar but different in so many ways. Crocodilia or crocodylia is an order of mostly large, predatory, semiaquatic reptiles, known as crocodilians. The book begins by playing on our fear of alligators and crocodiles, describing one of these giant reptiles gliding through the water, slowly appearing above the surface. Books and authors top teaching blog teachers tool kit student activities. Anyways, after discussing that first sentence, the students then had to answer it. Seriously, though, i too cant distinguish these reptiles from each other, unless i take a good hard look on the pictures of both of them. They first appeared 95 million years ago in the late cretaceous period cenomanian stage and are the closest living relatives of birds, as the two groups are the only known survivors of the archosauria. First essay alligators and crocodiles the introduction. Alligators are freshwater animals, while crocodiles live in saltwater. The teeth of a crocodile are visible, even when the crocodiles mouth is closed, while alligator teeth are invisible until the mouth is open.
Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles. This particular answer is mostly to draw the readers attention to the actual topic of the essay. What better way to introduce the letter a or the cr consonant blend to your preschoolers than with some alligator and crocodile books and rhymes. The introductory chapter describes crocodilian anatomy. Not many people can differentiate between a crocodile and an alligator.
Text and pictures in this nonfiction book help readers learn how to distinguish between such lookalike animals as leopards and cheetahs, hares and rabbits, alligators and crocodiles, and many more. There are differences between alligators and crocodiles as well. Its straightforward presentation, and information provides the reader with an overview of both animals, and how they may be distinguished from one another. Characters that appear in multiple media may have separate listings. Alligators can be differentiated from true crocodiles by the form of their jaw and teeth. What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. The majority of the book describes similarities between alligators and crocodiles.
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