16 Facts About Crocodiles
Crocodiles are large sized reptiles that are found in the tropics of the Americas, Australia, Africa and Asia. Antarctica and Europe are the only continents that don't have Crocodiles because of its climatic conditions. They are cold-blooded animals and need to live in a climate that has warm conditions. The cooling planet caused a reptilian retreat to warmer climate.
Some people confuse Crocodiles with alligators. Although the two have many similarities, there are several ways to tell the difference between the two. One of the differences that separate the two is that Crocodiles what large body size than alligators.
Crocodiles habitat in water most of the times, while Alligators theoretically stays on land. Alligators breathe air, and unlike amphibians, they do not have to keep their skin wet. When an alligator enters into water, it will have to come up onto the banks of their body of water often, to bask in the sun because it is a reptile and reptiles cannot regulate their own body temperature.
Another notable differences separating the two is that, crocodiles have a V-shaped snout, and alligators have a U-shaped snout.
Another common difference is that, crocodiles are olive green or light brown with a mottled pattern, and alligators are dark gray or black with a cream underside.
Having seen the notable differences between an alligator and a crocodile, now let's have a look at the interesting facts about crocodiles, let us learn more about them.
16 Crocodile Facts
The following are the facts about Crocodiles.
1. Crocodiles are carnivores
The first known fact is that all Crocodiles you see on earth, are carnivores, which eat only meat. However, a recent study has shown that Crocodiles eat fruit, and they enjoy the fruits.
2. Crocodile's bite is very strong
Research has shown that a Crocodile bite is 10 times more powerful than a great white shark. A crocodile’s jaws is capable of applying 5,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, which is the strongest bite of any animal in the world. A human’s jaw can only produce 100 pounds of pressure per square inch in comparison to Crocodiles, which produces 5,000 pounds of pressure per square inch.
3. Crocodiles have an average of 4000 teeth
Research has shown that Crocodiles can go through to an average of 4,000 teeth over a lifetime. Unlike other animals, when a crocodile loses a tooth, there is a small replacement already on standby, which replaces it. Crocodiles are capable of replacing each of their 80 teeth up to 50 times over their lifespan. A crocodile's mouth is lined with 68 to 72 sharp teeth, which they use to clamp down on prey.
4. Baby Crocodiles make noises inside their eggs before they hatch
Another study has shown that young crocodiles signal to their moms when they are prepared to hatch properly. The Crocodile mother will likely hear the baby’s tiny noises coming from inside the eggshell, which is frequently covered in sand. The mother crocodile then remove the eggs from the sand, protect the young until they are born, and bring them to the river so they can feast on insects.
5. Crocodiles are the biggest reptilep
As of today Crocodiles are considered the biggest reptiles known on earth. Adults Crocodiles can grow to more than 23 feet, making them the world’s longest reptiles. They are capable of attaining weights of up to 5000 kilograms.
6. Crocodiles eat without chewing
Crocodiles eat their food without chewing because their jaw operates in such a way that it cannot move sideways, which make them unable to grind down on food in a traditional chewing motion. Crocodiles swallow stones to help them digest and break down the food in their stomach.
7. Weak jaw opening muscles
Crocodiles have relatively weak jaw opening muscles, which can be held shut with just a rubber band, or bare hands. This has enabled scientists to study them closer easily.
8. Crocodiles don’t sweat
Crocodiles open their mouths to cool themselves. When a crocodile open its mouth to cool itself is called “mouth gaping,” which is very similar to panting.
9. Crocodiles swimming fast in water
Crocodiles are the best swimmers, they are extremely fast in the water, swimming up to speeds of 35 kilometers per hour (22 mph). They use their powerful tails to propel themselves through water, and their feet as rudders to steer.
10. Acute senses
Crocodiles have acute senses that makes them highly successful predators on earth. They are mainly nocturnal hunters and have excellent night vision. Their sense of smell and hearing are also extremely well developed.
11. Crocodiles cannibalize smaller Crocodiles
A Study has shown that some Crocodiles occasionally cannibalize smaller crocodiles. There have been recorded cases of larger crocodiles eating smaller, or younger crocs. There have also been cases where crocs will likely bite off limbs of other crocs by instinct
12. Crocodiles have the most acidic stomach
Studies have shown that Crocodiles have the most acidic stomach of any vertebrate, which allow them to dissolve and digest bones, hooves and horns or shells from their prey.
13. Crocodiles vocalize to communicate
The young Crocodiles of some species squeak and grunt, while adult crocs can growl, hiss or roar at each other. Many Crocodile species will also respond to other noises, such as engine noise, gun shots or even people mimicking crocodiles.
14. Crocodiles can sleep with one eye wide open
Crocodiles can sleep with one eye wide open, which make them extremely dangerous animals. Just as some some other reptiles, birds and dolphins can do the same.
15. Capable of staying for a year without a meal
Research has shown that larger crocodiles can go for over a year without eating a meal. Crocodiles are able to shut down and live off their own tissue for a long period of time.
16. The Temperature of a Crocodile egg will likely determine the gender of the baby Crocodile
Studies have shown that the egg of a male crocodile hatches at a temperature of 88.8 ℉. If the temperature is either higher or lower than this threshold, the egg of a female crocodile will hatch!