Endangered Species Quiz - Crocodiles

The saltwater crocodile is Steve Irwin's favorite croc - and it's the largest croc measuring up to more than 20 feet long.

Crocodiles can hold their breath for two hoirs in water to slower their heart rate and metabolism, thus saving their energy.

Crocodiles have existed around 245 million years ago, they have lived with the dinosaurs and survived the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago!

Crocodiles do not trample. Instead, crocodiles do the “death roll” to drown and dismember its prey underwater when ambushing.

The number of fatalities by the Nile Crocodiles are estimated to be between 250 to 450.

Deinosuchus lived with the dinosaurs during the late Cretaceous Period, feeding on dinosaurs who get too close to the water.

Crocodiles can sleep with one eye open using a survival strategy called unihemispheric sleep, where one half of the brain rests while the other remains active and aware

Gustave is a true monster croc, having evaded traps that tried to catch him in 2003.

Crocodiles appear to cry while eating because air entering their sinuses during feeding forces fluid from their tear glands, a purely mechanical reaction that cleans and lubricates their eyes, not an emotional display of sadness.

The Australian freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) is the fastest crocodile on land, capable of galloping at speeds up to 17 km/h (10.6 mph).

Crocodiles are also polyphodonts, which means they replace their teeth several times in their lifetime with each tooth generally being replaces about 50 times.

Birds and crocodiles are part of the archosaur family lineage, which makes them related to the extinct dinosaurs.

Crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials are all members of the order Crocodilia. This means that they share common characteristics and are closely related.

The saltwater crocodile has a bite force that measures 3700 psi, which makes it a powerful predator.

Crocodiles are highly adaptable reptiles that can thrive in various aquatic habitats. While some species primarily inhabit freshwater rivers and lakes, others, like the saltwater crocodile, are capable of tolerating and even thriving in saltwater environments such as estuaries and coastal regions.

Crocodiles use behavioral and physiological methods for thermoregulation as ectotherms, or "cold-blooded" animals. They bask in the sun to warm up and seek shade or water to cool down.

Crocodile bellowing occurs during the mating season to attract a mate, assert dominance, and establish territory. During this period, males will vocalize to court females, and their bellowing creates visible ripples in the water, which are a sign of the mating ritual.

The primary difference in the head shape is that alligators have a short, broad, U-shaped snout, while crocodiles have a long, pointed, V-shaped snout.

The primary threats to crocodiles are habitat loss and degradation, which includes human development and habitat modification, and illegal hunting. Climate change is a growing threat, particularly through rising sea levels that destroy nesting areas.

To protect and save crocodiles, we must learn to save crocodiles by public education, avoid buying wildlife products from crocodiles and manage conflict with humans through conservational means.