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Crocodilians

Crocodilians. Alligators, Crocodiles, Gharials and Caimans…. General Information. Cold-blooded REPTILES!!! Distantly related to Dinosaurs (and chickens…) Most common ancestor known appeared 200 million years ago… Have not changed much! 3 Families Alligatoridae – contains 7 species

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Crocodilians

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  1. Crocodilians Alligators, Crocodiles, Gharials and Caimans…..

  2. General Information • Cold-blooded REPTILES!!! • Distantly related to Dinosaurs (and chickens…) • Most common ancestor known appeared 200 million years ago… • Have not changed much! • 3 Families • Alligatoridae – contains 7 species • Crocodylidae – contains 14 species • Gavialidae – only 1 living species • http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/csl.html

  3. More General Info… • All 23 species have: • Similar body shape (streamlined and low to the ground) • Elongated snouts • Powerful jaws • Muscular tails • Large scales • Eyes and nostrils positioned on top of head

  4. Aquatic Adaptations • 200 million years ago, the modern Crocodilian ancestors made changes to fill a niche • Nictitating Membrane • Extra, transparent eyelid • Ability to drag and eat prey under water • Prevention of water flooding the nose and ears

  5. Reproduction • Reproduce Sexually • One male shares territory with several females • Females lay eggs on land, near water • Mothers are caregivers

  6. Food • CARNIVORES!!!! • Eat live prey and carrion • From dragonflies to buffalo and rarely, humans • Attack Methods: • AMBUSH!! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jbS-1tChuc • Float, float, lunge and SNAP!

  7. Croc VS Gator • Alligators • Broad, rounded snouts • Smaller lower • Hides the bottom teeth • Crocodiles • Narrower snouts that taper to a point • Same-size jaws

  8. Cool ability… • Breath holding! • Usually 4-15 minutes (depending on energy expenditure) • Hours? • Yes! • If not in stressed out conditions • Body temperature is cold

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