There are quite a few things in the world that are so similar that it’s hard to know what distinguishes them from each other. What’s the difference? The difference between this and that. Just because we can’t tell the difference doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Have you ever asked yourself these questions?
What’s the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
Sweet potatoes and yams are both root vegetables, but they come from different families of plant: yams (Dioscorea) belong to the lily family, and sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) belong to the morning glory family.
When you go to the grocery store are you able to tell the difference between a sweet potato and a yam without looking at the identifying tag? When you eat them, can you tell the difference? In the United States the two terms are used pretty interchangeable, but in truth, the foods aren’t all that similar.
Sweet potatoes have a sweet flavor, smooth texture, and the familiar bright orange color we’re used to seeing (though they do come in other colors—did you know that??). They make great pies. They aren’t that closely related to potatoes.
True yams are more yellow in color, the skin is thicker, and the taste is starchier than sweet potatoes.
I think if I saw the two side-by-side, and could do a taste test of yams and sweet potatoes I’d be able to tell the difference, but as it stands now, I can’t.
I’m not sure that I’ve ever had a “true” yam. I once had a something out of a can labeled “candied yams” but it wasn’t much to my liking.
What’s the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?
Both dolphins and porpoises are mammals belonging to a family called cetaceans, which also includes whales. They live in the ocean. That’s how they’re alike.
The main differences between a dolphin and a porpoise are in the face, shape of the fin, and body. According to the National Ocean Service, dolphins have long beaks and “cone-shaped teeth” while the beaks of porpoises are shorter, and their teeth are “spade-shaped.”
Porpoise fins are triangular, while those of dolphins have a little hook in them, and dolphins are thinner than porpoises. Dolphins are also thought to be more vocal than their counterparts.
These anatomical differences may be significant, and perhaps if you had a dolphin and a porpoise side-by-side in front of you, you’d be able to spot the differences and tell them apart easily, but what are the chances of that?
If you’re near the ocean, or out on your boat and you spot one of them in the distance, or even swimming alongside your boat, will you be able to tell the difference? I don’t think I could.
What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators and crocodiles are members of subgroup Eusuchia. They’re both reptiles. They’re both mentioned in the rhyme “See you later, alligator; in a while, crocodile.” Those are the similarities.
Like with dolphins and porpoises, one of the differences between an alligator and a crocodile is that the snout of an alligator is wide, like a U, while a crocodile’s is pointier, like a V. When a croc’s mouth is closed, some of its teeth show; an alligator’s teeth are hidden when the mouth is closed.
One big easily-discernable difference is their habitat: crocodiles are usually found in salt water, while gators are found in freshwater like marshes and lakes.
So if you see one of these impressively scary animals near or in a body of water, and you know whether it’s salt or fresh water, you might know which one it is that you’re facing without having to get close enough to look at its snout or its smile.
What’s the difference between an opossum and a possum?
Both the opossum and possum are marsupials, but they belong to different orders. Opossum are members of Didelphimorphia, while possum belong to the order Diprotodontia.
Opossums originated in South America and moved to North America; Possums are native to Indonesia, Australia, and New Guinea.
If you see pictures of the two animals, you can clearly tell the difference between them.
So why are there questions about opossum vs. possum? Because in many situations the words are used interchangeably.
For example, Merriam Webster has this to say on the matter:
“Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent.”
Does that clear things up?!
As I making sure I had my facts straight for this article I came across something I didn’t even know was a topic for “What’s the Difference.” I love carbohydrates, and eat plenty of pasta and noodles, and always used the terms interchangeably. To find out they aren’t the same left me speechless. It took me a while to recover from the shock, but once I did, I knew I had to include it.
What’s the difference between pasta and noodles?
Pasta and noodles differ in the ingredients and process used to make them.
Pasta includes food items such as spaghetti, lasagna, macaroni, fettucine, and linguine.
Foods that fall under the noodle category include ramen, lo mein, and rice noodles.
So, it turns out that all this time I’ve been eating mostly pasta, and using the word noodle incorrectly. How about you?
Yams and sweet potatoes, dolphins and porpoises, and gators and crocs are things I’ve found myself asking “What’s the difference” about over and over, because I never seem to be able to retain the information. But it isn’t really a problem, because if I see a giant reptile crawling out of a lake or river toward me, I’m planning to run as fast as I can whether it’s a crocodile or an alligator; and if I am lucky enough to see either a dolphin or a porpoise out in the ocean, I’m simply going to be grateful for the experience; and I’m going to enjoy my sweet potato or yam regardless of which one it is.
The fact that there is a difference, however, makes a difference, so I’ll probably keep asking myself What’s the Difference?
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potatoes-vs-yams#TOC_TITE_HDR_2
https://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-sides/yams-vs--sweet-potatoes
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/dolphin_porpoise.html
https://www.livescience.com/32144-whats-the-difference-between-alligators-and-crocodiles.html
https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/taxa/verts/archosaurs/eusuchia.php
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/possum-vs-opossum-difference-pronunciation
About the Creator
Tricia H
Dog mom, Texan, amateur photographer,crafter, reader, writer.
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