At least one species lives in Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. Skinks Mature females are 2.6–4.5 m (8 ft 6 in–14 ft 9 in) long, and males 3–6 m (9 ft 10 in–19 ft 8 in). However, external factors such as temperature, habitat, and the presence of other animals also affect the activeness of reptiles. All are excellent swimmers, usually gliding through the water by simply swaying the tail from side to side. The V-shaped snout of the crocodile does not match the strength of the alligator, but is capable of exerting a powerful bite. Many species have patterns of dark brown to black bands or blotches on the back and tail, and often these are most noticeable in youngsters. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-crocodile.html (accessed on September 21, 2004). North American species of skinks The crocodilians are medium- to large-sized species. As people move closer and closer to their habitat, crocodilians may make their presence known by plopping into a swimming pool or eating a family pet. "Crocodiles, Alligators, Caimans, and Gharials: Crocodylia http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Gharial.cfm (accessed on September 21, 2004). Stillwater, MN: Voyager Press, 1998. Research shows that these receptors play a role in chemical reception and salinity detection. Science News. ." Some well-known bivalves include clams, scall…, Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that possess backbones and display features that lie between those of fish and reptiles. The largest species include the Indian gharial and the saltwater crocodile. Nile crocodiles, for example, will take turns holding onto a large prey animal while others wrap their jaws around part of the body and twist around to tear off pieces of flesh. As in some other reptiles, the temperature of the nest may control the sex of the young. Alligators and Crocodiles. . http://www.kidzworld.com/site/p483.htm (accessed on September 21, 2004). Belly scales, which may also contain osteoderms, are large and smooth. Zackowitz, Margaret. © 2019 Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. In a crocodile the teeth in its upper and lower jaws are in line, but in an alligator, when its mouth is shut, the upper teeth lie outside the lower ones. One species, the Chinese alligator, makes its home in eastern China. January–February 2001, page 8. Many crocodilians kill especially large prey by clamping on the animal and dragging it underwater to drown. Enchanted Learning. National Geographic. The jaw is adapted to maneuver quickly to catch fish, which is the primary part of  the gharial's diet. The skull and jaws of all crocodilians function identically, and are composed of the same suite of bones. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. Firstly, it is worth noting that the term “crocodilians” refers to all members of the Family Crocodylidae (“true” crocodiles), Family Alligatoridae (alligators and caimans) and Family Gavialidae (gharial, Tomistoma). Alligators and caimans also often stalk (stawk) their prey by swimming up ever so slowly, and then chomping on the surprised animal. Gharials are limited to the Indian subcontinent. Some, such as the Indian gharial, have jaws that are well-suited to catching fish, and they stick to a mainly fish diet. There are three different families of crocodilians: Alligatoridae (alligators), Crocodylidae (crocodiles), and Gavialidae (gharial). To catch a fish, the gharial lies still, waits for a fish to come close, and then swishes its jaw sideways to skewer the fish on its teeth. Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource. . Their tails are even strong enough to shoot their bodies several feet straight up and out of the water. How Much Of The Amazon Rainforest Is Left? Cuvier's dwarf caiman is the smallest, with male adults reaching 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and females growing to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. Of course, the animals are not actually smiling, but a slight upturn in the back of the jaw line of most species makes them look as if they are. (Regina Rosemont) Minister of Community Resources and Employment, http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/Alligator.shtml, http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-crocodile.html, http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/american_crocodile.html, http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/potm-oct00.html, http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/caiman/Speccaiman.shtml.