Alligators vs Crocodiles Coloring Sheet

---

---

Learning about alligators vs crocodiles is made possible by: Award-winning science curriculum by Apologia, and Make math simple and effective with CTCMath for grades k-12.

---

Alligators vs Crocodiles

Have you ever wondered if you’d know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile if you saw one? When I was fourteen, I went swimming at a camp lake in Florida rumored to have an alligator lurking beneath its surface. Although I never actually saw one, the thought certainly made us campers pause before jumping in!

Today, let’s explore the fascinating differences of alligators vs crocodiles, how God uniquely designed these powerful reptiles, and what these remarkable creatures can teach us about the power of our words.

What’s the Difference?

Both alligators and crocodiles belong to a reptile group called Crocodilia. They share several characteristics, like long bodies, powerful tails, strong jaws, and eyes positioned for underwater hunting. But they’re not identical twins! Here are some simple ways to tell them apart:

• Length: Crocodiles tend to be longer (up to 20 feet—about the size of a small school bus!) while alligators usually reach around 14 feet.
• Snout shape: Alligators have a rounded, U-shaped snout. Crocodiles have a pointed, V-shaped snout.
• Teeth: When crocodiles close their mouths, some bottom teeth remain visible. Alligators hide their lower teeth completely when their mouths are shut.
• Habitat: Crocodiles live in many places worldwide, including Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. Alligators, however, are mainly found in the southeastern U.S. and eastern China.

God’s creativity shines clearly in these subtle but important differences, uniquely equipping each animal for the environment He placed it in.

How Do Alligators and Crocodiles Swallow Their Prey?

Alligators and crocodiles are apex predators, meaning they’re at the top of their food chains. But here’s something surprising: these mighty predators can’t chew like we do!
Their powerful jaws move only up and down, not side-to-side. So how do they manage to eat? They rely on their extraordinary biting force to seize and tear apart prey. For smaller prey, they swallow their meals whole.

Since alligators and crocodiles often catch food underwater, God equipped them with a special design called a palatal valve—a flap in their throats that blocks water from entering their lungs when they swallow. Isn’t it amazing how God cares for these amazing creatures in such detail?

Caring For Their Young

You might be surprised to know that alligators and crocodiles, known for their fearsome bites, also use those same powerful jaws tenderly—to protect their babies!

Mother alligators gently scoop their tiny hatchlings into their mouths and carry them safely to water or safer areas. These strong predators fiercely defend their young, who face many dangers in their first year.

This protective care reminds us of God’s own heart for His creation—powerful yet gentle, protective, and nurturing.

The Power of Our Words

Alligators and crocodiles illustrate how the same tool—their mouths—can bring either life or death. They use their jaws to hunt and survive, and also to protect and nurture their young.

The Bible tells us something similar about our mouths and words. Proverbs 18:21 says:

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Just as these reptiles’ mouths serve two different purposes, our words can also build up or tear down. Encouraging words can bring life and hope, while hurtful words cause pain and harm.

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us:

“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger.”

Imagine if we carefully chose our words to protect and build others up, just as a mother alligator gently carries her babies. God designed our words to have great power. Let’s choose to speak words of kindness, encouragement, and truth.