TROPICAL CROCODILIANS 3-31-05. Often the dominant predators in their habitat. Could there be a more inviting sign?. Alligator (l) & Crocodile (r) – Note the rounded snout of the alligator and the pointed snout of the crocodile.
Often the dominant predators in their habitat.
Alligator (top) and Crocodile (bottom) – Note that teeth are barely visible in alligators and obvious in crocodiles, especially the lower 4th tooth that actually fits into a slot in the upper jaw.
Crocodilians have glands (r, grey protrusion) used in communication; they also have a number of postures they use to communicate (l), as well as bellows.
Crocodilians have dermal bones, called osteoderms, inside the dorsal scales that make their backs almost impenetrable; Amerindians use the osteoderms for jewelry.
Crocodilians often pick up items that stay in the stomach for help in grinding. These items are called gastrolyths. Here is a rock taken from an old caiman in Venezuela. Note how smooth it is.
The very rare False Gharials, Tomistoma schlegelii, live in Indonesia and are resolute piscivores. The snout is narrow to enhance catching their prey as they quickly slash from side to side.