Crocodiles - KP

More than 200 million years ago, crocodiles roamed the Earth among the dinosaurs. As the largest members of the reptile world today, crocodiles are cold-blooded. According to the fossil record, their body plan has changed little since, enabling them to outlive the dinosaurs and become the most advanced of all reptiles and the most successful freshwater predator.

They have distinctive features such as long jaws, protective armour, streamlined body and long tail. These, together with various anatomical and physiological adaptations, make the crocodile perfectly suited to an aquatic and predatory lifestyle. Their features have changed very little from those of their prehistoric ancestors, proving that their body form has been highly successful in nature.

Crocodiles are ectothermic animals meaning that their body temperatures are close to the temperature of their environment. If the environment is cold, they must move to a warmer place. If the environment is too warm, they must move to a cooler place. They must seek out warmth to maintain their body temperature. Crocodiles can be found sunbathing when climate temperature is too cool, and basking in rivers when they become too warm. Crocodiles are able to regulate their own metabolic rate merely by engaging in these warming and cooling practices. When ideal body temperature is maintained, their metabolism slows to the point where food is not a daily requirement for survival. Crocodiles have the ability to forgo a meal for months at a time as most of their food intake is efficiently metabolized and stored, conserving the crocodile's energy for other purposes.