What is a Crocodilian?

Crocodilians are reptiles and have roamed the Earth since the time of the dinosaurs.

These reptiles are all semi-aquatic splitting their time between the land and water.

Each member of this order has a similar body shape with the head sitting in line with the body, four feet with partially webbed toes and a strong tail which helps with swimming.

Their head features eyes and nostrils which sit above the rest of the body which means they can breath and see while almost entirely submerged.

Across their body they have scales which are made of keratin (the same protein that forms human fingernails and hair). In many species these are studded with bony plates known as scutes. Each scale is shed individually.

Crocodilians will all reproduce by laying eggs on land.

The ears of crocodiles are covered by a flap which prevents the entry of water while underwater. A clear, third eyelid known as the nictitating membrane covers the eyes while underwater.

All crocodilians are carnivores with their food determined by size. Prey is swallowed whole. As a result of their slow metabolism they can go for long periods of time without eating any food.

As a reptile the crocodilians are all cold-blooded and reliant on the heat in the environment to warm themselves up. If they are too warm they will sit with their mouth open which helps to regulate their temperature.

Crocodilians have four chambers in their heart similar to birds and mammals compared to other reptiles which have three.