Alligators and crocodiles both belong to the reptile suborder Eusuchia of the crocodilians, which also includes caimans and gharials.
The differences between alligators and crocodiles became pronounced about 80 million years ago and continued as they survived the mass extinction of the dinosaurs
The biggest difference between alligators and crocodiles is their snout shape, alligators have a broad, U-shaped snout while crocodiles have a narrow, V-shaped one.
The two animals also have different teeth. Alligators have an overbite so their lower teeth are not visible when their mouths are shut.
Crocodiles, in contrast, show some bottom teeth when their mouths are closed, especially their fourth largest tooth
Other notable differences include: – Color: Alligators are often gray or black, crocodiles are olive or tan
– Habitat: Alligators prefer freshwater, crocodiles saltwater – Behavior: Alligators are less aggressive than crocodiles