What is the Difference Between an Alligator and a Crocodile?
See you later, alligator.
4 min readJan 19, 2023
Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles that belong to the order Crocodilia, but they are distinct species with several key differences.
One of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is their physical characteristics.
The easiest way to distinguish crocodiles from alligators is by looking at their jawline.
Alligator
The teeth on the lower jaw of an alligator fit into sockets in the upper jaw, leaving only the upper teeth visible when the mouth is closed.
Crocodile
The teeth on the lower jaw of a crocodile fit into grooves on the outside of the top jaw, making both the upper and lower teeth visible when the mouth is closed, thus creating a “toothy grin.
