Science

It can be hard to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile, and for good reason. Both of these greenish-brown, ancient-looking creatures belong to the reptile class and have long snouts, even longer tails and very big teeth.

Both alligators and crocodiles belong to the taxonomic order called Crocodylia. So in a sense, one can say that while all alligators are crocs, crocodiles are not alligators. But that sort of information probably won't help much if you happen to run into either one of them on, say, a golf course in Florida or a canoe trip in Belize.

When in doubt, remind yourself of where you are. Alligators live only in the southern United States (hence, the Florida Gators) and a few parts of China. Crocodiles are indigenous to climates closer to the equator and are regularly found in Central and South America, Africa, southeast Asia and northern Australia (hence Crocodile Dundee). Also, take a look at at the body of water from which your new scaly friend has emerged. Is it saltwater or freshwater? Generally, crocodiles prefer a saltwater habitat, while alligators gravitate towards freshwater living.

There are also distinct physical characteristics that differentiate the alligator from the crocodile, beginning with the animals' skin tone. Crocodiles tend to have skin with an olive...

Many believe that in order to for your daily driver to be eco-friendly it has to be ugly, electric, or both. The reality though is quite different as many auto manufacturers are constantly working on ways to make efficient vehicles that are also attractive.

Variable Displacement

One such technology from GM is called Active Fuel Management (AFM). It is a form of Variable Displacement and is designed to reduce fuel consumption and increase engine efficiency under light loads. AFM does this through a process called "cylinder deactivation." In other words, an eight cylinder engine (V8) would operate on only four cylinders.

For example, when traveling at a constant highway speed of around 70MPH, a high-powered engine needs only around 40HP to operate effectively and still maintain interior features such as climate control. Additionally, under lighter loads, that same high-powered engine is actually less-efficient. Using AFM a V8 engine effectively becomes a V4 engine after cylinder deactivation. The net effect is greater efficiency to the tune of a 7% increase in fuel economy.

While variable displacement is not a new concept, commercial availability has only been achieved within the last 5 years. One of the most recent applications in a new model is the recently introduced 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

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