The family Alligatoridae, within the order Crocodylia, includes alligators and caimans, large semi-aquatic reptiles found primarily in the Americas and parts of China. Members of this family are characterized by a broad snout, armored bodies with bony scutes, and a primarily carnivorous diet consisting of fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Unlike true crocodiles, alligatorids tend to have a more U-shaped snout and exhibit less aggressive behavior toward humans. They inhabit freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes, and play a critical role as apex predators in their ecosystems, helping to maintain ecological balance. Fossil evidence indicates that alligatorids have existed for millions of years, showing remarkable evolutionary stability in morphology and lifestyle.