Crocodiles are reptiles of the order Crocodilia and can be
found in Africa, America,
Asia and Australia. They are aquatic carnivores that spend their
time living in freshwater regions and eating vertebrates such as fish, reptiles
and mammals. Crocodiles are very similar to their prehistoric ancestors and
have survived many changes in global weather patterns and extinction phenomena
including the one that killed the dinosaurs.
With a cerebral cortex, four chambered heart and a
functional diaphragm, crocodiles exhibit much more complex structure and
internal organs than the majority of reptiles. Crocodiles are aquatic predators
that use their aerodynamic outer body, powerful tail and webbed feet which they
tuck into their sides when swimming. Crocodiles hunt for prey both in and out
of the water.
The strength of the crocodile is well known. They catch
their prey and hold them with their powerful jaws as they shake them and pull
them down into the water. Crocodiles
have the most powerful bite of any living animal. Being cold blooded crocodiles have slow
metabolic rates and survive for long stretches of time without eating.