Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
An alligator, or colloquially gator, is a large reptile in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae of the order Crocodilia. The two extant species are the American alligator (A. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis). Additionally, several extinct species of alligator are known from fossil remains.
The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a species of crocodilian found in the Neotropics.It is the most widespread of the four extant species of crocodiles from the Americas, with populations present from South Florida, the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, [4] and the coasts of Mexico to as far south as Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.
American alligators are often less aggressive towards humans than larger crocodile species, a few of which (mainly the Nile and saltwater crocodiles) may prey on humans with some regularity. [ 26 ] [ 145 ] Alligator bites are serious injuries, due to the reptile's sheer bite force and risk of infection.
Just the facts: American crocodile » Found in South Florida, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. » Nesting occurs on well-drained, sandy areas near salt or brackish water.
Crocodiles (family Crocodylidae) or true crocodiles are large, semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.The term “crocodile” is sometimes used more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans (both members of the family Alligatoridae), the gharial and false gharial (both ...
Compared to crocodiles, alligators digest more carbohydrates relative to protein. [107] Crocodilians have a very low metabolic rate and consequently, low energy requirements. They can withstand extended fasting, living on stored fat. Even recently hatched crocodiles are able to survive 58 days without food, losing 23% of their bodyweight during ...
American crocodiles can grow to 20 feet. ... alligators have a preference for fresh water, and don’t stay long, experts say. “American crocodiles” have a higher tolerance for saltwater, ...
Three extant crocodilian species clockwise from top-left: saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), and gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) Crocodilia is an order of mostly large, predatory, semiaquatic reptiles, which includes true crocodiles, the alligators, and caimans; as well as the gharial and ...