ontrast. Write in a paragraph What is the Difference between a Crocodile and an Alligator? (An Excerpt) In terms of physical differences, observing the snout - the mouth and nose-is one of the simplest ways to distinguish between a crocodile and an alligator. Crocodiles have long. narrow, V-shaped snouts, while those of alligators are wider and U-shaped. These differences are indicative of the type of diet that each species favors. The wide snout of the alligator packs more crushing power, making it easier to secure prey such as turtles, by contrast, the narrow snout of the crocodile is suited for fish as well as small mammals. The jaws found on a typical crocodile and an alligator are different. The upper and lower jaws of the crocodile are essentially the same width, with the teeth exposed in an interlocking pattern. They also have a large, protruding fourth tooth on the lower jaw that is accommodated by depressions in the upper jaw just behind the nostrils. The alligator, however, has a wider upper jaw, allowing the lower teeth to fit into it snugly, effectively hiding them from view. Only the teeth of the upper jaw are exposed along the lower jaw line. Crocodiles and alligators are found in different locations around the globe. Both crocodiles and alligators do well in environments that feature slow moving rivers with grasslands located adjacent to the river banks. Crocodiles live in parts of North, Central, and South America, and can be found in areas of Africa, Australia, and the southeast part of Asia. Alligators are native in the eastern section of China and the southern area of the United States, and are most common in states along the Gulf Coast. The lingual salt glands in crocodiles allow them to be more at home in saltwater than alligators.

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