Are alligators classified as reptiles or amphibians?

Crocodiles are Archosaurs, specifically. The group 'reptiles' isn't very useful anymore, because it includes birds (birds are far more closely related to crocodiles than turtles or lizards are, so if we were to make a division for birds, crocodiles would still have to be categorized with birds, and not with any of the other reptiles). read more

The group ‘reptiles’ isn’t very useful anymore, because it includes birds (birds are far more closely related to crocodiles than turtles or lizards are, so if we were to make a division for birds, crocodiles would still have to be categorized with birds, and not with any of the other reptiles). read more

Alligators are reptiles. Reptiles have scaly skin and lay shelled eggs, unlike amphibians that have smooth skin and must be kept wet in order from drying out. read more

The alligator is classified as a reptile because it meets all the criteria for that class of animal. It is air breathing, lays shelled eggs, has skin covered with scales, has four limbs, is cold-blooded, and does not have a water-dwelling larval stage. read more