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Crocodiles are often mistakenly believed to be dinosaurs, but they actually belong to a different group of ancient reptiles that have survived for millions of years. Around 140 million years ago, crocodiles roamed the Earth alongside true dinosaurs. However, as the environment changed and other dinosaur species gradually went extinct, only a few crocodile species managed to survive. Out of the original 23 varieties, only 15 remained, and today, just a handful of species still exist. Because of their long evolutionary history, scientists refer to crocodiles as "living fossils."
Crocodiles are amphibious reptiles, typically found in freshwater environments like rivers and lakes, while saltwater crocodiles prefer coastal areas with warm and humid climates. They can grow up to 4 to 5 meters in length, with a broad head, long snout, and a body covered in tough, bony scales. Their tail is laterally flattened, helping them swim efficiently, and their short limbs have five toes on the front and four on the back, with webbing between the toes.
Despite their fierce and intimidating appearance, crocodiles are highly agile creatures. They are nocturnal hunters, often resting under trees during the day and hunting at night. They are excellent divers and can stay underwater for over ten hours. If threatened or hunting on land, they can leap quickly to catch prey. When not attacking, their powerful tails can be used to strike or push away enemies. Although they have sharp teeth, these are not designed for chewing. Instead, crocodiles use their strong jaws to grip and crush food, then swallow it whole. This limitation means they cannot kill large animals on land directly; instead, they drag them into water to drown them. Conversely, when facing larger aquatic prey, they bring it ashore to suffocate it.
When dealing with large pieces of food, crocodiles will use their mouths to clamp the food and beat it against rocks or logs until it breaks down. If the food is too big, they may leave it to rot naturally before eating it. To compensate for their lack of chewing ability, crocodiles have a highly acidic stomach that helps break down food effectively. In addition, like chickens, they often swallow small stones to help grind food in their stomachs, aiding digestion.
Although they are large, crocodiles are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Their lifespan can reach up to 70 to 80 years, with some individuals living over 100 years. Female crocodiles become sexually mature at around 12 years old and continue laying eggs until they are about 40. Males mature around the same age. Each time, a female lays between 20 to 40 eggs, which are similar in size to duck or goose eggs. Before laying, she builds a nest using leaves and grass, creating a soft bed. She may even shed tears before laying eggs, possibly due to discomfort. After laying, the eggs are hidden and left to incubate for over 60 days. During this time, the mother is very protective and will attack any intruders. Once hatched, baby crocodiles ride on their mother's back for protection and begin to hunt independently after about six months.
Despite their fearsome reputation, crocodiles are actually quite timid. Some smaller species, like the Chinese alligator, will hide in holes when approached. Crocodiles rarely attack humans unless provoked. In fact, with training, they can interact with people, allowing them to be touched, kissed, or even have their mouths opened for dramatic performances.
Crocodiles have great economic value. Their skin is used to make high-quality leather products such as shoes and belts. Their meat is considered a delicacy and is nutritious. Their bones contain phosphorus and potassium, used in chemical industries, and their teeth are popular among collectors. In places like Thailand’s Sri Lankan Tiger Park, crocodile farming has become a major source of income. Over eight years, more than 60,000 crocodiles were bred and sold, becoming a key part of the local economy. Clearly, crocodiles contribute significantly to human society, both ecologically and economically.
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