Can you tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?

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Prehistoric creatures: can YOU tell the difference?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  Looking at the snout...

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  • A.
    Alligators have a wider u-shaped snout

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: Alligators have a wider u-shaped snout while a crocodile's is more pointed and v-shaped
  • B.
    Crocodiles have a wider u-shaped snout
• 2.
  2. Which creature's teeth stick up out of the mouth and over the upper lip creating a ‘toothy grin’ ?

  • A.
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    Crocodile

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: A crocodile's fourth tooth on either side of it's lower jaw sticks up over the upper lip, flashing you a toothy grin. When an alligator's mouth is closed, all teeth are hidden.
  • B.
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    Alligator
• 3.
  3. Crocodiles tend to live in saltwater habitats, while alligators prefer freshwater marshes and lakes

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  • A.
    True
  • B.
    False

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: Crocodiles can actually live in both salt water and fresh water habitats, while alligators prefer fresh water only.
• 4.
  When fully grown, alligators are bigger than crocodiles

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  • A.
    True
  • B.
    False

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: On average, a fully grown alligator can grow up to 3.4 metres while a full grown crocodile can grow up to almost 6 metres.
• 5.
  True or false: crocodiles have webbed feet making them really fast swimmers

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  • A.
    True
  • B.
    False

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: Alligators have webbed feet. Crocodiles are still fast swimmers because of their powerful tails.
• 6.
  Which reptile has the darker skin: alligators or crocodiles?

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  • A.
    Alligators

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: Alligators tend to have a darker skin than crocodiles. Crocodiles normally have lighter skin, usually in the colours of olive green or brown. Alligators usually have darker, blackish-grey skin.
  • B.
    Crocodiles
• 7.
  7. What is the average life span of a crocodile?

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  • A.
    30 – 50 years
  • B.
    50 – 70 years
  • C.
    70 - 100 years

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: the average lifespan of a crocodile is 70-100 years. The average lifespan of alligators is 30-50 years.
• 8.
  This image is fake: neither crocodiles nor alligators can jump

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  • A.
    True
  • B.
    False

    (Correct Answer)

    Explanation: A crocodile can jump almost its whole body length. Alligator's have also been recorded to jump as high as 6 feet into the air!

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  0 to 2 correct:

  Novice -

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  Hmm...get those wildlife books out as there is lots of studying to be done before you head off on safari!There are many differences between alligators and crocodiles but never forget that the one thing that they do have in common is that they are wild and can attack unexpectedly. Keep your arms out of the water and don't walk along the water's edge when in areas known to have these creatures living there.Perhaps just go and see crocodiles safely in a wildlife park.
• 2.
  3 to 5 correct:

  Silver Medalist -

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  Not bad! Africa is rich in wildlife that differs vastly from anywhere else on the planet. As long as you know that touching wild creatures is a big 'no-no', start packing your bags and booking your safari.
• 3.
  6 to 8 correct:

  Expert -

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  Congratulations! You could very well be the next 'Crocodile Dundee'! There are many differences between crocodiles and alligators and you are one in-the-know. Go on and share your results with your friends and see if they can do better!