Alligator

Alligator 

Alligator is a common name for the species of crocodilians Alligatoridae family, being very similar to crocodiles, which are distinguished by shorter and broad head and the presence of webbed thumbs in the hind legs. Alligators, which are also called "alligators" or "Caymans" differ from crocodiles still regarding the dentition, the fourth canine tooth of the lower jaw fits in the upper jaw of the hole, while the crocodile stands out, when they have mouth shut. The size of an alligator may vary sixty centimeters (Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman) to 5.5 meters (black caiman) and can weigh three to five hundred kilos.

Alligators inhabit the Americas, having disappeared from Europe in the Pliocene. In North America, there is only the Alligator genre. "Alligator" and "caiman" are synonymous with "alligator".

Etymology

The term "alligator" comes from the Tupi term îakaré. The term "alligator" originates from the English term alligator. But the term "caiman" comes from the Taino word Kaiman.

Geographic distribution

The alligator is a typical species of the United States to South America, and their close relatives, the crocodiles inhabit some regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia and gavials are found only in India. All are in the same group of reptiles (Crocodylia), but have characteristics that differentiate them. Cayman is a name common to many American alligators Caiman genre.