Due to their size, strong jaws and violent nature, crocodiles are a species of aquatic reptile that belongs to the most threatening predators on the planet. They are exceptionally effective predators because they previously coexisted with dinosaurs. Crocodiles were able to live after the Chicxulub impact, which took place about 66 million years ago and wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. These intriguing animals are the subject of several interesting crocodile facts.
The crocodile is the largest living reptile species.
The largest species of reptiles are the saltwater crocodiles. They can grow up to 7.0 meters and weigh between 2,200 and 2,600 pounds (23 feet).
They ingest small stones to aid digestion.
Crocodiles that consume their entire meal or those with seashells and bone fragments benefit from the ability to ingest stones classified as “gastroliths.” The food is ground up in your intestines with the help of gastroliths. These stones can persist in the stomach of the crocodile for a long time.
The bite of a crocodile is the most powerful of any animal.
Up to 100 pounds can be applied to one square inch of surface; that’s all a human jaw can handle. However, our research shows that crocodile jaws can apply pressure equivalent to 5,000 pounds per square inch. Its bite is ten times more powerful than that of a great white shark. On the other hand, crocodiles’ mouth muscles are so small and weak that a human can seal the animal’s mouth shut with a rubber band or even their hands.
Crocodiles can swim quite well.
Crocodiles move quite quickly through the water. They have a maximum swimming speed of 35 kph (22 mph). They move through the water with the help of their strong tails and webbed feet, which act as rudders. Also, for up to three hours, their tails help keep them upright in the water.
Alligators and crocodiles are very different from each other.
Crocodiles and alligators are distant relatives. Although some people might confuse them with each other, there is a technique to tell them apart. They have distinct jaws, as you can see by paying close attention. Even when the crocodile’s jaw is closed, all of its teeth are visible. The alligator’s teeth, by contrast, are hidden from view when its mouth is closed. Crocodiles have more pointed V-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have broader U-shaped ones.
They often have their jaws open while they sleep.
Even if a crocodile’s jaw is open, you should not be alarmed. When they see a crocodile emerge from the lake with its mouth open, most people immediately think that they are in danger. But in truth, they just “gap” or open their lips to vent. Since crocodiles cannot sweat, they sit or lie down with their mouths slightly open to let the heat out. Although it may seem threatening, they are not acting aggressively.
Crocodiles and dinosaurs are connected.
Crocodiles are considered reptiles, but their closest relatives are dinosaurs and birds. About 240 million years ago, the first crocodile-like animal appeared on Earth. The dinosaur and he lived around the same period. The earliest crocodiles were about three feet long and stood (and moved) on two feet instead of four. Their forelimbs are shorter than their hindlimbs.
