I’m glad the Romans never had to deal with the difference though, since alligators are only found in the Americas [edit: and in the Yangtze River basin]. Otherwise this explanation would still fly over their heads. (“V? U? SIMILE SVNT, FVNGE PVTRIDE!”)
So the way to remember which is which is to first know that crocodiles are found in what used to be Ancient Rome and their snout looks like they could write it with their letters. Got it.
Alligator: U-shaped snout.
Crocodile: V-shaped snout.
I’m glad the Romans never had to deal with the difference though, since alligators are only found in the Americas [edit: and in the Yangtze River basin]. Otherwise this explanation would still fly over their heads. (“V? U? SIMILE SVNT, FVNGE PVTRIDE!”)
And China. Specifically the lower Yangtze River basin.
https://www.marylandzoo.org/animal/chinese-alligator/
I went looking for pictures, and now I want one as a pet.
Fixed - thanks!
So the way to remember which is which is to first know that crocodiles are found in what used to be Ancient Rome and their snout looks like they could write it with their letters. Got it.