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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Alligator Snapping Turtle and Snapping Turtle?

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The alligator snapping turtle and the common snapping turtle are both known for their strong jaws and powerful bites, but they have several key differences:

  1. Shell: The alligator snapping turtle has a shell with three distinctive ridges, while the common snapping turtle has a smoother shell.
  2. Head shape: The alligator snapping turtle has a triangular head, while the common snapping turtle has an oval-shaped head.
  3. Size: Alligator snapping turtles are larger, with males typically weighing about 175 pounds and females weighing about 50 pounds. Common snapping turtles, on the other hand, usually weigh between 10 and 35 pounds.
  4. Bite force: Common snapping turtles have an average bite force of about 209 Newtons of force, while alligator snapping turtles have a slightly less forceful bite.
  5. Diet: Alligator snapping turtles primarily consume aquatic animals and fish, while common snapping turtles have a more balanced diet that includes animal flesh, plants, invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.

These differences in size, appearance, and behavior help to distinguish between the two species of snapping turtles.

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  • What is the Difference Between Alligator Snapping Turtle and Snapping Turtle?
  • Comparative Table: Alligator Snapping Turtle vs Snapping Turtle

    • Comparative Table: Alligator Snapping Turtle vs Snapping Turtle

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Alligator Snapping Turtles and Common Snapping Turtles:

    Feature Alligator Snapping Turtle Common Snapping Turtle
    Shell Appearance Shell has heavy ridges, resembling an alligator's scutes [5 Smooth shell [5
    Size Largest freshwater turtle, with males typically weighing 175 pounds and females weighing 50 pounds [1 Smaller, with a weight range of 10 to 35 pounds [1
    Distribution Less widespread, found in specific areas of the United States [5 Wider distribution across the United States [5
    Bite Force Less forceful bite than Common Snapping Turtles [1 More forceful bite than Alligator Snapping Turtles [1
    Taxonomy Genus: Macrochelys [5 Genus: Chelydra [5

    Alligator Snapping Turtles and Common Snapping Turtles belong to the same family, Chelydridae, but they are not closely related and have unique characteristics that set them apart.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.