Why are crocodiles and alligators not the same animal?

Crocodiles and alligators cannot have babies together. That's generally what defines the differences between species. But with crocs and gators, it's not even close. They diverged 80 million years ago according to The Timescale of Life. That's about as long ago as a whale and a dog. But you're correct. read more

As others have said, not even all alligators or all crocodiles are the “same animal”. There are 23 living species of “crocodilians” (the order of reptiles that includes alligators and crocodiles), not limited to the ten species pictured below. read more

Alligators belong to the Aligatoridae family; consequently, they are only a family within the broader group of crocodiles, since this latter term can define a grouping of different species. In other words, alligators can be called crocodiles, but not all so-called crocodiles are alligators. read more