Animal Look-alikes: Learn to tell them apart

Some animal species look so much alike that people regularly confuse them. Discover the differences between some of these fascinating creatures.

CAMEL OR DROMEDARY?

Camels, which live in Asia, have two distinct humps on their backs. Dromedaries live in Africa and have only one hump. If you’re wondering, those humps store fat, not water.

CROCODILE OR ALLIGATOR?

Crocodiles can weigh up to 1,000 kilograms and have slender, V­shaped snouts. Alligators are slightly smaller, reaching a maximum weight of 450 kilograms. They have broad, U­shaped jaws.

HORSE OR PONY?

Many people mistakenly believe that ponies are baby horses. However, the pony is a distinct species, measuring no more than 1.45 metres from the ground to the withers (the area above the shoulder).

RABBIT OR HARE?

Rabbits have short ears and small legs. In contrast, hares have much longer ears and powerful back legs, so they can run really fast. Hares live in above­ground nests, and rabbits live in underground tunnels known as warrens.

PENGUIN OR PUFFIN?

Unlike penguins, puffins can fly. These two birds inhabit very different regions as well: puffins thrive in the Northern Hemisphere, and penguins reside in the Southern Hemisphere.

FROG OR TOAD?

Frogs have smooth, moist skin and long legs that can make impressive leaps. Toads, on the other hand, have dry, bumpy skin and shorter legs, limiting them to short hops. Are there other look­alike animals that you often get mixed up? Do some research at your local library or browse the internet to find accurate information.

BUTTERFLY OR MOTH?

Butterflies and moths are often confused. Most butterflies are active during the daytime, and moths are generally active at night. In addition, butterfly wings are usually brightly coloured or boldly patterned. You have to look closely!