Crocodile Facts
Crocodile Facts
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Crocodiles are large reptiles that live in fresh water, lakes, rivers, brackish water (mix between salty and fresh water). They can be found in tropic areas of Australia, Africa, America and Asia. There are 23 species of crocodiles and most of them are endangered because of poaching. Crocodile's skin is highly appreciated in fashion industry and represents a status symbol for wealthy people.
| Interesting Crocodile Facts: |
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| Closest relatives of crocodiles are birds and dinosaurs. |
| Crocodiles live on the Earth 240 million years. They appeared at the same time when dinosaurs appeared. |
| Crocodiles vary in size. Largest crocodile species is Saltwater Crocodile which can reach 13-18 feet in length and weigh up to 2200 pounds. Smallest crocodile species is Dwarf Crocodile which can reach 5 feet in length and weigh up to 40-70 pounds. |
| Crocodiles are meat-eaters (carnivores). They have 24 sharp teeth which are used for killing of fish, birds, mammals and small crocodile (their prey). |
| Crocodiles don't chew their food. They tear apart flesh and swallow large chunks of meat. They sometimes swallow stones to ensure faster grinding of the food in their stomach. |
| Expression "cry crocodile tears" is based on the true fact - crocodiles produce tears when they eat. They don't cry because they feel sorry for the prey, but because they swallow too much air, which gets in touch with lachrymal glands (glands that produce tears) and forces tears to flow. |
| They have one of the strongest bites in the animal world. Muscles which induce closing of the jaw are much stronger than muscles which open the jaw. Because of that, people can use their bare hands to keep their mouth closed. |
| Crocodiles can be often seen with their jaws wide open. They open their jaws to cool themselves because they don't have sweat glands. |
| Only crocodile's belly has a gentle skin. Skin on their back contains bony structures (called osteoderms) which make skin bulletproof. |
| Crocodiles have excellent eyesight (especially during the night). Their eyes can be seen as red dots while peeking from the water during the night. |
| Crocodiles and alligators are not the same. Crocodiles are larger, have V-shaped jaw and some of their teeth can be seen even when the jaw is fully closed. Alligators are smaller, they have U-shaped jaw and their teeth are not visible when jaws are closed. |
| Crocodiles mate during monsoon season. Female lays 20-80 eggs and take care of them 3 months. |
| Temperature of the nest determines the gender of the baby. When temperature is 31.6 degrees Celsius - males will develop. Temperature below and above 31.6 degrees induces development of females. |
| 99% of crocodile babies will be eaten in the first year of their life by large fish, hyenas, monitor lizards and larger crocodiles. |
| Most crocodiles live 50-60 years in the wild. Some crocodiles can live more than 80 years. |
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