Zoology

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...