Crocodile is a large predator, the only surviving representative of a subclass of archosaurs that lived on the earth's surface and in bodies of water millions of years ago. Most of these large dinosaurs became extinct during the Cenozoic, but the crocodiles survived, and the birds are considered their closest relatives on earth.
These large reptiles live in fresh water bodies or coastal brackish waters of the tropics and subtropics.
Today, there are 23 species of this amazing, but dangerous animal. Consider some of them, and find out what is the largest crocodile in the world. But first, look into the distant past of our planet.
The largest crocodiles in the world:
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Deinosuchus
Length: 16 meters
The oldest reptile, which lived about 80 million years ago, is today considered the largest among the crocodiles that ever lived on planet Earth.
According to the found skeleton, scientists found that the deinosuchus reached a length of 16 meters and weighed from about 12 to 15 tons. With such dimensions, the reptile could hunt dinosaurs, and sharp teeth and powerful jaws made it possible to deal with turtles and other large animals.
In the photo: Comparative dimensions of the skull of deinosuchus and modern crocodile.
According to scientists, the life expectancy of this giant is about 50 years, and outwardly it was similar to its modern relatives.
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Sarcosuchus
Length: 15 meters
Another extinct species from the genus of giant crocodilomorphs, representatives of which reached a length of 15 meters, and weighed up to 14 tons.
The sarhozuh had a skull 1.5 meters long, which protected a powerful shell. Sharp teeth and protection allowed the ancient crocodile to cope with dinosaurs. In addition to herbivorous dinosaurs, the reptile diet included fish and other inhabitants of the deep sea.
In the photo: the comparative sizes of the skulls of sarcosuchus and humans.
Most of the bone remains found on the African continent, according to which paleontologists have established that sarcozuchs lived and died out in the Cretaceous period. By the way, there is a very interesting article about the biggest dinosaurs of captivity on thebiggest.
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African narrow-crocodile
Length: up to 4 meters
In the western regions of Africa, a crocodile lives, which got its specific name because of the narrow muzzle. The average size of the animal is 2.5 meters, but some individuals reach a length of 4 meters.
It differs from the congeners by its spotty coloration, which is more characteristic of alligators and gavials than for the family of real crocodiles.
Scientists have little studied the lifestyle of the inhabitant of the warm reservoirs of Africa, but, as noted, lead a mostly lonely lifestyle. They hunt fish and aquatic invertebrates, but large individuals include larger prey in their diet.
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Central American Crocodile
Length: 4.5 meters
In the freshwater reservoirs of Central America, a species of crocodiles lives, which was discovered in 1850 by a French naturalist. According to him, the crocodile, reaching a length of 4.5 meters, received a species epithet Crocodylus moreletii.
One of the fastest predators of terrestrial fauna preys on small reptiles, large animals. There have been cases of attacks on pets in history.
It is believed that this species, due to the remoteness of residence from human habitation, is not dangerous for people, but differs in very aggressive behavior, therefore, meeting it in the wild is undesirable.
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Cuban
Length: 4.9 meters
The Cuban crocodile, growing up to 4.9 meters, is also called pearl because of the bright and unusual color. He can be found only on some islands of Cuba, but TheBiggest does not want you to meet him. The strength of his bite is 11 803-23 040 N, and the speed of movement reaches 17 km per hour.
In the photo: Cub of a Cuban crocodile.
This species stands out among the congeners by strong aggression, but it is the only one who is capable of high collective organization.
“Cubans” prefer fresh water reservoirs, but, like other real crocodiles, can also settle in brackish waters.
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Nile crocodile
Length: up to 5.5 meters
Adults grow up to 5.5 meters in length, which makes the inhabitant of the Nile Valley one of the largest reptiles. Such giants weigh more than 500 kilograms, and at the beginning of the twentieth century a specimen was caught, the length of which was 6 meters and its weight was more than a ton.
Crocodiles of this species settle in small swamps and estuaries, where they await their prey.
Recently, the population of this amazing animal has decreased significantly. There is one reason - a great demand for the hide.
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American crocodile
Length: up to 5.5 meters
The reptile living in freshwater reservoirs of South and North America has a length of up to 4 meters, but individuals 5.5 meters long were found.
Climate warming allowed the original species to settle in more northern latitudes. The ability of a crocodile to live in salt water significantly expanded its habitat. Adult individuals live on their own, guarding their territories, but young animals stray into groups.
As for the attack on people of this species, it is recorded that this happens more often than the attack of sharks on people.
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Alligators
Length: up to 5.8 meters
The largest representatives of the crocodile detachment differ from the real representatives in a larger and wider muzzle. But the biggest difference is in the structure and arrangement of the teeth.
The largest alligator, recorded in history, off the coast of the island of Marsh was 5 meters long 80 centimeters. Note that alligators live in only two countries - in the USA and China, and feed on almost everything that they can catch in the water and on the coastal territory. A person is attacked very rarely, not counting him as a potential victim.
Surprisingly, a seemingly clumsy animal in water can reach speeds of up to 30 km per hour.
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Gavial
Length: up to 5.6 meters
Ghanaian gavial is the only remaining representative of this ancient family. These sedentary, huge animals spend most of their life in water. And they go on land only to bask in the sun or lay eggs.
Males reach sizes of 5.6 meters, females are slightly smaller - 3-4.5 meters. But here is the largest instance known to science has a length of 6 meters.
This unique animal settled in the swampy areas of Southeast Asia. Favorite places for crocodiles are calm sections of fast rivers, where there are whirlpools and stretches.
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Combed crocodile
Length: up to 7 meters
This reptile is also called the cannibal crocodile and it is the largest crocodile in the world. Some individuals that can be found in the fresh and salty waters of Southeast Asia reach about 7 meters.
This species got its name from two rows of ridges extending from the eyes to the front of the muzzle.
This animal considers humans to be prey, so there are frequent cases of attacks on humans. For example, in Australia, 106 people died from the attack between the early 1970s and 2013. Due to similar facts around the world, the reptile has such an ominous reputation.
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Summarize
In conclusion, some interesting facts about the oldest inhabitant of the earth. For example, back in Byzantium, that "crocodile tears" are the mourning of their victims by predators. But actually, in this way, they get rid of excess salts in the body through glands located at the very eyes of the animal.
And in the Pskov Chronicle there is evidence that "fierce animals came out of the water and a lot of people are willing." Most likely, the word "pooshosh" is used in the meaning of "bit." This tragic and sad event dates back to 1580.
And one more, in spite of their appearance and lifestyle, they are the most highly organized among all reptiles, and they are evolving towards an ever greater presence in water and predation.