In alligator and crocodile locomotion, what is the difference between a high walk and a low walk?
When an alligator or crocodile walks on land, it can slide on its belly (the low walk), or it can lift its body off the ground (the high walk).
Continue reading “Alligator and Crocodile: High Walk and Low Walk”
Is an alligator a crocodilian?
Yes, the American Alligator is a crocodilian.
How does an alligator and a crocodile breathe?
Alligators and crocodiles cannot breathe underwater.
They have nostrils on top of their snouts so that they can breathe when they are on the surface of the water with most of their head submerged (their eyes and nostrils can be seen).
Continue reading “How does an alligator and a crocodile breathe?”
The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large reptile, and also a crocodilian native to the southeastern United States of America. Crocodiles, alligators, gharial, and caimans are all crocodilians.
The American Alligator is dark grey, black or olive-brown, with a broad U-shaped snout (nose) and sharp, triangular teeth. Its teeth are not visible when its mouth is closed. Its underbelly is creamy-yellow. It has a long tail and short legs with claws.
Alligator teeth and crocodile teeth are different.
An alligator has a large, fourth tooth in the lower jaw that fits into a socket in the upper jaw.
A crocodile does not have a fourth tooth in the lower jaw.
An alligator’s teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed.
A crocodile’s teeth are visible when the mouth is closed.
Both alligators and crocodiles have between 74 and 80 teeth. As they wear down, they are replaced. They can have 3,000 teeth in a lifetime. Continue reading “Alligator Teeth, Crocodile Teeth”
How many toes has a crocodile?
The crocodile has five toes on its front feet. There is no webbing between the toes.
The crocodile has four toes on its back feet. There is webbing between the toes.