What’s the difference between Alligator and Crocodile? Crocodiles have long and pointed, V-shaped snouts while alligators have rounded, U-shaped snouts.
Crocodiles have longer pointed, V-shaped snout. Alligators have a more rounded U shaped snout that is wide and short.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile vs alligator is by the way their snouts are shaped. Alligators have a more rounded U-shaped snout that is flat and straight at the front. Crocodiles often have a V-shaped snout that is pointed at the front.
Alligators generally have U-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have V-shaped snouts that are long and slender.
Alligators typically grow up to 11-14 feet long and weigh between 400-1000 pounds, while crocodiles can reach lengths of up to 20 feet or more and can tip the scales at over 2,000 pounds.
Let us take a look at the characteristics of the two animals, so you can learn how to tell an alligator from a crocodile.
There are five key differences between a crocodile and an alligator that can help us distinguish these large reptiles: Snout. Their lifestyles are different, and the same goes for their environmental requirements.
Do you know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? In this article, we will discuss the unique characteristics that distinguish alligators from crocodiles. You will learn how to tell them apart, as well as their behavior, habitats, and diet.
How many years can a crocodile live without eating?
Crocodiles are ectothermic so their metabolic rate depends on temperature. As temperature drops, so does their need for calories unlike warm-blooded animals. Crocodiles have lower metabolic rates and can go months without eating. Their bodies conserve all energy from meals. In extreme cases, crocodiles can shut down and survive on their own tissue. Larger crocs can go without food for up to three years.
Anne Welsbacher wrote crocodiles can live up to one year without eating thanks to highly evolved metabolisms. When food is scarce, crocodiles rely on energy reserves to sustain vital functions until next meal. Crocodiles do not hibernate but adapt to environments and survive without food for extended periods. Young crocodiles rely on mothers for protection and food but gradually develop own remarkable survival skills as they grow.
Adult crocodiles typically go without eating for months or up to a year due to efficient metabolism that conserves energy. Nile croc rested along sand bank in Selous Game Reserve. Despite appearance and reputation, crocodiles age and face death like other creatures. Idea of crocs living for hundreds of years is intriguing but untrue. In June 2012 Lolong certified by Guinness Book as world’s largest crocodile in captivity at 6.17 meters. Hungry crocodile walks 9 months until flock triggers circle in Tanzania and will not return to river. Generally crocodiles survive 1.5 to 3 years without food. They succeed due to fat storage, even on tails as energy pantry. Frogs, snakes, turtles also withstand weeks or months without eating!
Which is older crocodile or alligator?
Crocodiles are slightly older than alligators. Crocodiles ancestors can be traced back to the Jurassic period over 200 million years ago. The first land crocodile is the Sarcosuchus. Alligators ancestors are from the late Cretaceous period. Based on fossil records, crocodiles are slightly older than alligators.
There are fewer alligator species compared to crocodiles. Crocodiles belong to the Crocodylidae family which has 13 different species found in the US, Australia, India, Africa and Southeast Asia. This is more than twice as many species compared to alligators.
The saltwater crocodile reaches 23 feet in length when fully grown, making it the largest crocodile species. American crocodiles reach up to 20 feet but most are 15 to 17 feet only. For pure bite strength, crocodiles are stronger with 3,700 psi compared to 2,980 for alligators.
Crocodiles have long, pointed and V-shaped snouts while alligators have rounded, U-shaped snouts. Other differences include their jaws, hind legs and behavior with crocodiles being more aggressive. Crocodiles live in larger bodies of water compared to alligators which allows them to move more effortlessly as better swimmers.
The oldest existing alligator lived up to 80 years old while the oldest crocodile species cyanobacteria has existed on Earth for billions of years. The American alligator has an average lifespan of 50 years. Size and strength wise, some crocodile species grow much larger and more aggressive compared to alligators. An average adult saltwater crocodile reaches over 17 feet compared to 13 feet for an American alligator.
What are 5 facts about crocodiles?
Crocodiles have lived for 200 million years. There are 14 species. The largest is the saltwater crocodile. It grows up to 23 feet and weighs over 2,000 pounds. Crocodiles live in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. They can swim up to 20 miles per hour. Their bite force is over 3,700 pounds per inch. They live around 70 years in the wild. Crocodiles eat fish, birds and mammals. Females lay eggs and guard their nests. Crocodiles are top predators in ecosystems.
They swallow stones to help digestion. They can “belly run” up to 11 miles per hour on land. Some crocodiles can go a year without eating a meal. In Costa Rica, a crocodile named “Pocho” was rescued by a fisherman after being shot.
Temperature determines if eggs become male or female. Crocodiles are vulnerable when first born. Up to 99% die in their first year from predators and humans. People eat crocodile eggs.
Crocodiles can’t chew despite their reputation. They can store energy and remain still for years. Since they bask in the sun to warm up, they can go 3 years without food.
Infant crocodiles can cry. Females fiercely guard their nests until eggs hatch. Crocodiles play a vital ecosystem role as top predators.