-
Fact 3 - Crocodiles grow to the
length of 16 - 18 feet, and inhabit the large rivers of Africa,
Asia, Australia and America
- Fact 4 - Their eggs, clutches are
laid in the sand, are hatched by the sun's heat
- Fact 5 - The best known species is
that of the Nile ({C. vulgaris}
- Fact 6 - The Florida crocodile (Crocodylus Americanus) is much less common than the
alligator and has longer jaws
- Fact 7 - The name 'crocodile' is
also sometimes applied to the species of other related genera,
as the
gavial and the alligator.
- Fact 8 - A crocodile
is any species belonging to the family Crocodylidae
- Fact 9 - A
crocodile is a large scaly-skinned reptile with a long, low body
and short legs.
- Fact 10 - The
largest of the crocodiles is the ‘Saltwater Crocodile’
(see the saltwater and Siamese Crocodile hybrid bellow)
- Fact 11 - What's the difference
between crocodiles and
alligators?
-
The jaw shape: Alligators have a
wide "U"-shaped, rounded snout, like a shovel, whereas
crocodiles tend to have longer and more pointed "V"-shaped noses
- The Teeth: In alligators, the upper
jaw is wider than the lower jaw and completely overlaps it,
therefore, the teeth in the lower jaw are almost completely
hidden when the mouth closes
- Salt glands: Crocodiles have salt
glands on their tongue which help to excrete salt. Crocodiles
more tolerant to life in saline water, including sea water in
some species
- Crocodiles are more aggressive than
alligators (depending on the species)
- Crocodiles are bigger than
alligators (depending on the species)
- Fact 12 - Nile
crocodiles are probably the most vicious and can take down a
water buffalo
- Fact 13 - A crocodile has an
ability to grow new teeth to replace the old teeth
- Fact 14 - The
average age of crocodiles is 50 - 60 years but some have been
known to live for over 100 years
- Fact 15 - Their
swimming speed is 40 km per hour (25 mph)
- Fact 16 - The
crocodile eats fish, birds, mammals and sometimes smaller crocs
- Fact 17 - Crocodile
skin is regarded to be a symbol of high status in some tribes
- Fact 18 - The first
crocodiles appeared on earth, around 240 million years ago
- Fact 19 - Crocodiles
have long, powerful tails that propel them when swimming
- Fact 20 - The
crocodile is deemed to be an
Endangered Species
- Fact 21 - The word
crocodile comes from the Ancient Greek word 'crocodilos' meaning
"lizard"
- Fact 22 - Crocodiles
are protected in many parts of the world, but they also are
farmed commercially to make shoes, belts, wallets and handbags
from their skins
- Fact 23 - Many of the different
types of crocodiles are detailed on the following list:
- Fact 24 - Alligators, unlike the
large crocodiles, do not immediately regard a human as prey, but
may still attack in self defence if provoked
- Fact 13 - The
smallest of the crocodiles is the ‘Dwarf Crocodile’
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