Although the words 'alligator' and 'crocodile' are used interchangeably, there are key differences between these species.
But even with these differences, are they able to crossbreed in the wild?
- Wild hybrids: Unlike the liger, these 3 real-life crossbred animals naturally exist in the wild
- How do crocodiles mate? At times tender, communal, or even not at all – here’s a guide to crocodile sex
Can alligators and crocodiles crossbreed?
Crocodiles and alligators cannot crossbreed as they occupy different families within the order of reptiles called Crocodilians, and those two families split off from each other about 90m years ago. Having been evolving independently for such a long time, the two families will have accumulated changes at the level of genetics, biochemistry, physiology and behaviour that make them incompatible reproductively.
Successful hybridisation is only possible between species that diverged much more recently, such as polar bears and brown bears, which diverged about 100,000 years ago.
More of your wildlife questions answered
- How does an alligator hold its breath underwater for so long?
- What's the smallest crocodile?
- What's the smallest reptile?
- Amphibian vs reptile: what's the difference?
Main image: Nile crocodile/Getty