Why do people think alligators are green?
Biology · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021
Answered on
People tend to think alligators are green because of their portrayal in cartoons, illustrations, and other forms of media where they are often depicted with a green hue. This is likely due to their association with swampy, green environments where they are commonly found, as well as the presence of algae and other plant material that can sometimes grow on their skin, giving them a greenish tint.
In reality, alligators are usually a darker color, often gray or black, which helps them blend into their surroundings and wait for prey. Their skin is covered in scales that can have different shades, but it's mostly the camouflage with the murky waters and the marshy vegetation that gives them a greenish cast rather than the actual color of their hides.