Crocodile SVG is a semi-aqueous vertebrate wild animal of the chord, reptile and crocodile class.
Crocodile SVG – description, characteristics.
Crocodiles SVG are one of the few surviving representatives of the subclass of archosaurs, and their nearest relatives are birds, which are also descendants or relatives of archosaurs. By the way, the dinosaurs were included in the subclass of the archosaurs.
Depending on the type of crocodile length is 2-5.5 m, the length of the largest crocodile giant can reach 7 meters. The weight of the crocodile is 400-700 kg, and the weight of the head of the mother male reaches 200 kg. Reptiles have a rare sexual dimorphism: males of the same species grow more females by 2-2.5 times.
There are 9 vertebrae in the cervical reptile and 17 in the torso. The long tail of the crocodile consists of 35 or 37 vertebrae and performs steering, motor and thermoregulation functions.
The structure of the reptile torso is a vivid example of how to adapt to aquatic life. A compacted Crocodile SVG head ends in a long face, the torso is elongated and flattened, and the moving tail is squeezed from the sides. Short legs are located on the sides of the body. The front extremities of crocodiles have 5 fingers, the rear ones are distinguished by the absence of a little finger. The fingers are connected with each other by membranes. Despite the short legs, even small crocodiles can gallop short distances. The land speed of the crocodile is 14-17 km/h. In water, the crocodile can reach speeds of up to 30-35 km/h.
The structure of the crocodile skull is similar to that of a dinosaur and has two distinct temporal arcs. Eyes, ears and nostrils are located close to the top of the head. Thanks to this, the reptile can lie under the water, watching the surroundings, and at the same time fix and feel the prey only with the eyes and nostrils exposed outside.
The Crocodile SVG eyes are distinguished by a vertical-slit pupil, a third protective eyelid and the presence of tear glands for eye washing.
The crocodile’s huge mouth has cone-shaped teeth up to 5 cm long. Inside the teeth of the reptile there are cavities in which young sharp teeth are formed as they are grinded. The number of crocodile teeth can vary from 72 to 100 depending on the type.
The crocodile body is covered with skin consisting of rectangular hornblades arranged in clear rows. Under the dorsal shields, and sometimes under the belly, small skin ossification forms, forming the resemblance of an armor. The belly protects the abdominal ribs, anatomically isolated from the spine. Depending on the area and species, crocodile skin may be dark brown, almost black, gray-brown, dirty green or sandy.
The heart of the crocodile is four-chamber and the blood of the reptile contains effective antibiotics to prevent infection from occurring in the event of damage or from dirty water. The thick-walled, muscular stomach contains touring stones – special stones that help to grind food and give the long body a balance when swimming.
Crocodiles grow throughout their lives due to the constant growth of cartilage in bones. In nature, crocodiles live, on average, 80-100 years.
Most crocodiles have no enemies, but some animals and birds (rams, turtles, herons and some mammals) eat crocodile eggs.
Where do crocodiles live?
Crocodiles live in almost all countries with warm and humid tropical climates. Reptiles live in Africa and the Philippines, in Japan and Guatemala, in Bali and northern Australia, in the waters of South and North America.
Most crocodiles live in fresh water, spending most of the day in the water. But thanks to the excellent salt exchange, crocodiles live even in highly saline seawater without compromising their health. Marine crocodiles, such as the sharp-nosed and crestedy ones, live in the coastal part of the seas.