Friday, 9 December 2011

The River Nile gifted by nature - Crocodiles on the Nile


Crocodiles first appeared about 55 million years ago. These large aquatic reptiles live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. They tend to congregate in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, wetlands and sometimes in brackish water.

They feed mostly on vertebrates like fish, reptiles, and mammals, sometimes on invertebrates like molluscs and crustaceans, depending on species.
Crocodiles are among the more biologically complex reptiles despite their prehistoric look. Unlike other reptiles, they have a cerebral cortex; a four-chambered heart; and the functional equivalent of a diaphragm, by incorporating muscles used for aquatic locomotion.
Their external morphology on the other hand is a sign of their aquatic and predatory lifestyle. A crocodile’s physical traits allow it to be a successful predator. They have a streamlined body that enables them to swim swiftly. 

Crocodiles also tuck their feet to their sides while swimming, which makes them faster by decreasing water resistance. They have webbed feet which, although not used to propel the animal through the water, allow it to make fast turns and sudden moves in the water or initiate swimming. 

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Compiled By Brenda

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