The term 'alligator's cousin' refers to two species of reptiles that are closely related to alligators: crocodiles and caimans. Crocodiles are large aquatic reptiles with long snouts and powerful tails, and they can be found in tropical regions around the world. Caimans are smaller than crocodiles and are native to Central and South America. Both crocodiles and caimans are closely related to alligators, and they share many of the same characteristics.