A Mysterious Battle In Water
As we look around and explore, we find innumerable living things co-existing and inhabiting the earth. From the depths of the oceans to the forests and grasslands, there are creatures inhabiting them all. In the deep, tropical waters and wetlands, there are two of the most graceful creatures called alligators and crocodiles.
These creatures have often been spoken about and have become somewhat of a mystery. While it is true that they are similar in many aspects, there are many subtle nuances that differentiate one from the other. It is not as simple as to say that one is better than the other.
In this article, we take a look at these two fierce water predators, the alligator and the crocodile, to see who the true king of the wetland is.
Size Matters
In the comparison between the alligator and the crocodile, one of the most obvious differences is that of size. The alligators, on average, tend to be a bit bigger than the crocodiles. The American alligators are usually observed to grow up to seven meters in length while the saltwater crocodiles are usually a few meters lesser in length.
The alligators, when compared to the smaller bodies of the crocodiles, have the ability to lift themselves slightly off the ground while the crocodiles rarely can. This makes it even more difficult for the crocodiles to move around quickly and gives the alligators an advantage when it comes to speed.
Which One Is More Aggressive?
When it comes to aggression, both of these creatures can be quite aggressive. However, due to their size difference and the difference in their environments, the levels of aggression can vary.
The alligators, though generally not as aggressive as the crocodiles, can become quite dangerous if provoked. They have been known to lunge at and bite intruders, even if they are unaware of their presence.
The crocodiles, on the other hand, are much more aggressive than the alligators. They are known to attack humans and their habitat and have been known to piece through even thick metal. This makes them much more menacing and dangerous than the alligators.
Living Environment
In terms of habitat and living environment, these two creatures are quite different. While both are reptiles and they do inhabit the same type of watery environments, they do differ in terms of which parts of the world they call home.
The crocodiles are usually found in much warmer places, such as Africa and parts of Asia. This is due to the fact that they cannot survive in cooler climates and need more heat.
Meanwhile, the alligators can inhabit much cooler climates. They are usually found in North America, China, and Florida.
Toothy Grins
Another major differentiating factor between these two creatures is the shape and size of their heads. Both of them have a lot of menacing teeth, but the shape of their heads is quite different.
The alligators have a much wider and beefier head when compared to that of the crocodiles. They also have deeper snouts and jaws. In comparison, the crocodiles have much narrow and much longer snouts, with less muscle power in their jaws.
Food Choices
When it comes to the food they eat, alligators and crocodiles both consume a variety of creatures. They mainly feed on fish, turtles, and other animals that live in the water.
However, the alligators primarily feed on smaller creatures, while the larger crocodiles can take down much larger prey. They also have the ability to take down larger animals and even land-based animals if they choose, making them quite dangerous.
Which One Is More Primitive?
When it comes to sheer age, the crocodiles have a much longer history on earth than the alligators. They have been around for much longer and, as a result, are known to have evolved at a much slower rate than the alligators.
Crocodiles have been observed to have many features that are very old, such as the long and narrow snouts, as well as the stiff necked bodies. The same is not true for the more modern looking alligators.
The Verdict
At the end of the day, it really is a battle between a small fish and a big fish. Alligators and crocodiles are wise predators that have developed a unique set of skills and strengths.
The alligators possess a heavy and powerful body that allows them to charge and ambush their prey, while the crocodiles have an extra long and powerful jaw that allows them to take down large animals. Both of them are quite dangerous in their own right and thus, can co-exist peacefully and thrive in the same environment.
It is impossible to come to a conclusion on who truly lurks in the water. Both of them have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and thus, it is difficult to pinpoint who the true king of the wetland is.