Alligators and crocodiles, though similar, have distinct differences in appearance, behavior, and habitat. Alligators have broader, U-shaped snouts and darker skin, while crocodiles feature more pointed, V-shaped snouts and a lighter, rugged appearance. Alligators, found primarily in freshwater environments in the southeastern United States and China, are generally less aggressive than crocodiles, which inhabit both freshwater and saltwater regions across the tropics. Crocodiles also tend to be