Crocodiles

Evolution of Crocodiles:
The early forms of crocodiles are known as Crocodilia. The early forms of crocodiles called psuedosuchians were able to walk on their hind legs. What matches most with those of their ancestor crocodiles is the skull part. Since they spent most of their life beneath water, accordingly their body adapted to aquatic lifestyle. Due to the changes formed within their body shape and tendency to adapt according to the climate they were able to survive when most of the reptiles of their period are just a part of history. Basically they are classified into three type’s crocodile’s, alligators and caimans and gavials. They can also be classified on the basis of their habitat that is fresh water and salt water crocodiles. Most species of crocodiles live in the east of globe in Africa, also they are found widely in many places in Asia from India to Australia. Different varieties of their species are also found in North and South America. They live close to water.

Body Structure:
Crocodiles have long cylindrical shape they are bit fat at their mid section and pointed towards end. The structure of their heart is divided into four parts. The adults are generally 5 to 6 feet long. Male crocodiles have big size compared to females. They have thick outer skin and is quite rough. The have long head and a long tail that helps them to change their direction in water while moving. The large head with pointed teeth that make them look fearful. The eyes and nostrils are located at the top of head section. They have four legs which are short and are webbed. Never underestimate their ability to move on ground. When they move they can move at such a speed that won’t give you a second chance to make a mistake by going close to them especially when hungry. They can lift their whole body within seconds from ground.

Eating habits:
Crocodiles use a very effective technique to catch the prey. The prey remains almost unaware of the fact that there can be any crocodile beneath water. It is due to the fact that when the crocodile sees it prey it moves under water without making any noise and significant movement. It keeps only its eyes above water surface. When it feels it has reached sufficiently close to the target it whistles out of water with wide open jaws. 80 percent of their attempts are successful. They have very powerful jaws. Once the prey trapped in its jaws they swallow it. Their power can be judged from the fact they can kill the wild zebras which come to watery areas in search of water. They do not chew their food. They normally feed on small animals, big fishes, birds and even human flesh. As like some water creatures that interact by making sounds crocodiles also use many sounds to communicate with other crocodiles.

Reproduction:
The female crocodile lay their eggs close to river side. At a time female crocodile lays 50 to 70 eggs. The female crocodile covers the eggs with dried grass or leaves. It then stays with their and gives the necessary heat to hatch the eggs. During this interval if any creature enters this area or it senses danger from closing creature then it attacks. After a period of around four months the young crocodiles are born. Their mother then carries them to river where they eat small fishes and other small animals. Most of them die out and only 40 to 60 percent of them survive. They have long life journey and live for more than hundred years.

Future
They are generally misinterpreted with the belief that they are enemy of human beings. However they are just animals they don’t have brain and know only how to trap their prey. Their power must be respected and we should avoid going in their territory. Large ranges of products are made from them. We should stop buying those and also the hunting of crocodiles must be restricted. Its good sign that they are number is increasing especially in Australia their number is increasing.