The eyes, ears and nostrils of crocodilians are positioned for use while the rest of the body is submerged. They have a well-developed bony palate, formed from several skull bones, similar to mammals. Crocodiles and alligators have an enlarged tooth near the front of the lower jaw, analogous to the canine in a mammal. In crocodiles this tooth tends to protrude, whereas in alligators it is normally more or less hidden in the living animal, fitting into a socket in the upper jaw.
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1. American Alligator skull, lateral view
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2. Saltwater Crocodile skull, lateral view
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3. Alligator & Crocodile skulls, ventral view
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Internet Resources
Crocodile Specialist Group: An IUCN website, focused on conservation, with loads of info on crocs & alligators
UMICH Animal Diversity Web Digimorph - Digital tomography (Alligator)
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Taxonomy:
Order - Crocodylia
Families - Alligatoridae & Crocodylidae
Scientific Name:
Crocodylus - "pebble-worm", from the Greek kroke (pebble) and drilos (worm), presumably referring to its knobbly skin. Reptiles were often grouped with worms in mediaeval texts.
porosus - "calloused" (Greek)
Alligator - From the Spanish 'el lagarto' (lizard)
Dental Formula
lots
Measurements: (explained)
Image 1 - American Alligator
Condylobasal length - 209mm
Overall width - 96mm
Image 2 - Saltwater Crocodile
Condylobasal length - 222mm
Overall width - 128mm
Collection Data
Image 1 - American Alligator
Stage - Adult
Area collected - USA
Source - Farmed specimen
Image 2 - Saltwater Crocodile
Stage - Adult
Area collected - Australia
Source - Farmed specimen
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