Crocodile: Difference between revisions
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{{Image|Nile-crocodile.jpg|right|350px|A [[River Nile|Nile]] crocodile.}} | |||
A '''crocodile''' is any aquatic [[reptile]] belonging to the ''[[Crocodylidae]]'' [[family (biology)|family]]. They are related to, and sometimes mistaken for, [[alligator]]s. Crocodiles are generally sleeker than their alligator cousins, but have many of the same features, including powerful [[jaw]]s. Crocodiles are part of one of the oldest [[evolution]]ary families since they have survived with relatively few changes into the modern era since their emergence around 200 million yeas ago. | |||
Crocodiles are powerful swimmers and can also move fast on land. They are capable of leaping out of water, but cannot jump on land. Their ability to strike quickly and without warning make them particularly dangerous to humans, though the habit of hunting and farming crocodiles for their [[leather]]y skin makes humans more dangerous to them. | |||
Latest revision as of 21:34, 15 October 2010
A crocodile is any aquatic reptile belonging to the Crocodylidae family. They are related to, and sometimes mistaken for, alligators. Crocodiles are generally sleeker than their alligator cousins, but have many of the same features, including powerful jaws. Crocodiles are part of one of the oldest evolutionary families since they have survived with relatively few changes into the modern era since their emergence around 200 million yeas ago.
Crocodiles are powerful swimmers and can also move fast on land. They are capable of leaping out of water, but cannot jump on land. Their ability to strike quickly and without warning make them particularly dangerous to humans, though the habit of hunting and farming crocodiles for their leathery skin makes humans more dangerous to them.