A crocodilian family contains Alligators, Crocodiles, and Gharials. An Alligator, Crocodile, and Gharial is a reptile that has rough, scaly skin and thick bony plates along its back and tail.

Kingdom – Animalia

Phylum – Chordata

Class – Reptilia

Order – Crocodilia

Family – Alligatoridae

Genus – Alligator

Species – Mississippiensis

Herbivore? Carnivore? Or Omnivore?

Alligators and crocodiles are a Carnivore. A carnivore is a animal that eats meat only. A herbivore is a animal that eats plants only. A omnivore is a animal that eats both plants and animals.

United States

Africa

Asia

Austrilla

The alligator mating season begins in April. Three weeks later, the female lays 20-50 eggs. The eggs hatch in two months.

State Symbols

The alligator is the official state reptile for Florida and Louisiana.

•The name “Crocodile” was first used about 2,000 years ago by Greek adventurers who were traveling in Egypt.

Alligators have powerful muscles. Alligators use their muscles to crush and kill their prey.

Crocodiles show both sets of teeth when mouth is shut. Alligators show only upper set of teeth.

How Big are Alligators?

A male alligator can go up to be 12 feet and weigh up to 500 pounds.A female alligator can go up to be 8 feet and weigh up to 250 pounds.

Resource page.

• John Bonnett Wexo. Allligators and crocodiles zoobook. Poway, California. Wildlife Educations, 2003.

• Marc Zabludoff. The Reptile Class. Tarrytown, New York. Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2006.

• Lynn Huggins-cooper. Revolting Reptiles. United States. QEB Publishing, 2008.