Differences: Similarities Between Alligators And Crocodile

Many people cannot tell the differences between alligators and crocodiles. Indeed, their names are often used interchangeably. Both are from the order crocodilian and from afar they do look similar. But similar is not same. We shall examine some significant differences. More specifically, we shall focus on the physical attributes, biological differences and temperament of these semi-aquatic predators.
Alligators, usually have broad rounded snouts. Such a jaw design provides the strength to withstand stress when enormous force is used to crush hard-shelled preys such as turtles. However, a more reliable way, for telling an alligator apart from a crocodile, is the way its teeth in the lower jaw are neatly hidden from view when the jaws are closed.

Biologically, unlike crocodiles, alligators does not have functioning salt excreting glands. This explains why alligators are not found in brackish or salt water environments. While both alligators and crocodiles have pressure sensing receptors, these can be found only around the jaws of alligators but all over the entire body of crocodiles. Most alligators are docile when compared to salt water crocodiles.
Crocodiles have narrower snouts. These narrower snouts reflect an adaptation of the jaws for a more general diet than that of alligators. The most prominent identifying feature of crocodiles are the large fourth teeth of the lower jaw which shows outside the upper jaw, when the jaws are closed. Salt excreting glands permit crocodiles not only to survive in estuaries and at sea, they also enable them to cross wide oceans. This accounts for the wide distribution of crocodiles around the world. It is unclear what the function of the abundant pressure sensing receptors on crocodiles is but these receptors show up on crocodiles skins as dimples on the edge making it easy to tell apart alligator and crocodile skin bags and shoes.
These are of course generalizations that does not apply to all alligators and crocodiles. For example, the Indian mugger is properly classified as a crocodile although its jaw profile is more akin to that of an alligator. Also, some species of alligators can be as aggressive as salt water crocodiles.