Body Parts of a Crocodile

Crocodiles inhabit rivers, lakes and swamps in tropical areas such as Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, Central and South America and even in Florida. These reptiles sometimes grow as large as 20 feet long and weigh around a ton.

Head

The crocodile has a long V-shaped snout full of teeth. The fourth tooth on a crocodile's lower jaw is visible over the upper lip in a crocodile, and the tongue of a crocodile, anchored to the bottom of its mouth, cannot move.

Eyes

The eyes of a crocodile produce tears but not due to any emotion in the reptile. These tears clean the eyes and keep the growth of bacteria to a minimum.

Legs and Feet

While crocodiles have webbed feet, the reptile does not typically use them to help them to swim. However, on land a crocodile can run as quickly as 11 miles an hour for a very short distance on its short legs.

Tail

The crocodile has the ability to propel itself through the water with its long, powerful tail by whipping it back and forth. It is also useful as a weapon, as the animal will slash at its prey with it to disable it or knock it into the water.

Fun Facts

The brain of the crocodile is the most advanced of any reptile. The stomach will frequently have stones in it; this is a feature that researchers feel helps the crocodile to digest its food.

References

• San Diego Zoo: Alligator & Crocodile
• National Wildlife Federation: The Crocodile's Power Play
• National Geographic: Nile Crocodile