Alligators and crocodiles, though often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearance, are distinct species with notable differences. One intriguing distinction lies in the anatomy of their tongues.

In the case of alligators, they possess a unique ability – the capacity to stick out their tongues. On the other hand, a crocodile’s tongue is immobile, firmly secured to the roof of its mouth by a membrane. This feature serves a crucial function for crocodiles, especially as they spend extensive periods underwater. The stationary tongue helps in keeping the throat closed, safeguarding the animal’s airway. Unlike some other species, the tongue of a crocodile does not play a role in the feeding process.

Crocodiles are true carnivores, exclusively consuming animal matter without incorporating any plant materials into their diet. In their native habitats, such as Africa, crocodiles hunt and consume large mammals, seizing them when the animals pause to drink or traverse rivers. Smaller prey falls victim to the crocodile’s rapid jaw snap, while larger prey may succumb to a series of forceful, crushing bites.

The jaws of a crocodile are a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation. Featuring a secondary jaw joint not found in mammals, crocodiles can distribute the force of their formidable bite throughout their mouths. In fact, crocodiles boast the most powerful bite force in the animal kingdom, reaching 3,700 pounds per square inch in a saltwater crocodile – an astonishing 30 times the force of a human bite. An additional intriguing aspect of a crocodile’s mouth is that its tongue is incapable of entering the powerful jaws due to being permanently attached to the floor of the mouth. This unique anatomical arrangement, coupled with a membrane securing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, aids in keeping the throat closed when the crocodile is submerged underwater.