Alligator Classification and Evolution Alligators are in the
same family as other large reptiles like Crocodiles but are
native to only two countries, which are the southern USA and
China (where the Alligator is now nearly extinct). Alligators
tend to be smaller than their Crocodile cousins but have been
known to move at speeds of up to 15mph on land making them one
of the fastest large reptiles in the world. Despite their size,
there are a number of distinct differences between Alligators
and Crocodiles as an Alligator's snout is shorter than that of a
Crocodile, and with their mouths shut, an Alligator's teeth
cannot be seen but a Crocodile's can. Alligators are also
commonly known as Gators in their native, southern North
American habitats. Alligator Anatomy and Appearance Alligators
are very large reptiles, with males growing up to 4.5 meters in
length. The female Alligator tends to be slightly smaller, with
a total body and tail length of between 3 and 3.5 meters. The
Chinese Alligator is a much smaller