10 Pairs Of Animals That We Regularly Confuse

Many animals may appear strikingly similar at first glance, leading even dedicated Animal Planet viewers to mistakenly confuse them.

Many creatures may appear to be extremely similar at first glance, causing even devoted Animal Planet watchers to be confused. Consider the jaguar and leopard, or the llama and the alpaca. However, let us clarify: the jaguar and leopard differ in bodily composition, skin spot patterns, and tail length. Similarly, the fur, muzzle, ear shape, and body size of the llama and alpaca differ.

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#1. Alligator and Crocodile.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Despite their vast evolutionary history, crocodiles and alligators differ significantly. Their nose shape is one distinguishing feature. Crocodiles have a smaller, V-shaped nose than alligators, which have a broad, U-shaped snout. Their teeth are another point of distinction. Because alligators' bottom teeth fit into niches in the upper jaw, only their upper teeth are visible when they close their mouths. Crocodiles, on the other hand, show both upper and lower teeth even when their mouths are closed, resulting in a distinctive "toothy" grin.

#2. Pangolin and Armadillo.

Source: depositphotos

Because of their similar body armor, these animals are sometimes misidentified, however upon closer inspection, their differences become clear. Pangolins have enormous scales that look like armor plates, but armadillos have leathery plates that cover their bodies. Furthermore, armadillos have distinct pointed ears, but pangolins have small, round ears or even ear holes with no visible ears.

#3. Grasshopper and Locust.

Source: depositphotos

Despite their apparent similarities, these insects are unique from one another. Notably, locusts are not a distinct species, but rather a type of grasshopper that exhibits distinct traits under certain conditions, such as intense vegetation growth following a drought. Locusts' color, behavior, and reproductive behaviors alter during such situations.

Grasshoppers are recognized for their long and muscular hind legs, which allow them to perform their famous high jumps. Locusts, on the other hand, have shorter legs but larger and stronger wings, allowing them to travel long distances in flight.

#4. Fox and Black-backed jackal.

Source: depositphotos

Although the fox and the black-backed jackal look similar at first glance, they have significant differences. Triangular ears, a pointed and slightly raised muzzle, relatively short limbs, and a long, fluffy tail distinguish the fox. The black-backed jackal, on the other hand, has a longer body, long legs, and huge ears. The significant difference, though, is the black saddle that covers the jackal's coat and spans across its back, serving as its distinguishing characteristic.

#5. Monkey and Ape.

Source: depositphotos

While both monkeys and apes are members of the primate family, they differ in significant ways. The most visible difference is that most monkeys have tails, whereas apes have not. Furthermore, their physical traits differ greatly. Apes are much larger than monkeys, with a broad chest, broad shoulders, and long arms.

#6. Opossum and Possum.

Source: depositphotos

Despite their identical names and classification as marsupials, opossums and possums differ greatly in many ways. Opossums are North American natives with grayish-brown fur, a white snout, and a bare, rat-like tail that helps them cling to branches. Possums, on the other hand, are native to Australia and range in hue from silvery gray to brown, black, or cream. They have a fluffy tail and a black snout.

#7. Frog and Toad.

Source: depositphotos

Despite being amphibians with many similarities, frogs and toads have distinct characteristics. Frogs often have lengthy legs and spend a large percentage of their lives in or near water, resulting in moist skin. Toads, on the other hand, have shorter legs and prefer dry land, resulting in dry and rough skin.

#8. Salamander and Lizard.

Source: depositphotos

Although some salamanders and lizards have remarkable similarities, the key distinction is that they are classified as amphibians and reptiles, respectively. Salamanders are amphibians with smooth, wet skin and no ear openings or claws. Lizards, on the other hand, are reptiles with rough scales covering their body.

#9. Nutria and Muskrat.

Source: depositphotos

Despite their uncanny likeness, these rodents have significant variances. For starters, muskrats are smaller, measuring between 1.3 and 4.4 lbs, whereas nutrias can weigh between 9 and 20 lbs. Second, their tails are clearly different. The tail of a muskrat is narrow, scaly, and flattened on the sides, but the tail of a nutria is thick, rounded, and coated in coarse hair. Furthermore, nutrias have three distinguishing characteristics: a white mark on their muzzle, webbed hind legs, and distinctive bright orange teeth.

#10. Hawk and Falcon.

Source: depositphotos

The fundamental difference between these two superb birds of prey is that falcons are smaller than hawks. Their different wing features and hunting skills, on the other hand, are equally noticeable. Hawks have short, broad, rounded wings, but falcons have long, thin, pointed wings. Hawks use their formidable claws to catch prey, whilst falcons use a unique 'tooth' or notch on the side of their beak.

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