7 interesting facts about crocodiles

Knowledge is power. A layfhakeru knowledge is needed twice. In this series of articles we collect for you fascinating and sometimes surprising facts about the world around us. We hope that they will show you not only interesting but also practically useful.

While the creators of science fiction films spend tremendous efforts in trying to come up with ever more fearsome and amazing monsters on our home planet inhabited by creatures ready to give hundred points forward to any stranger. Crocodiles are one of the few survivors of the dinosaur era witnesses and there are already more than 250 million years. Despite such a venerable age, they feel great and ready to surprise you with a lot of interesting facts.

Crocodiles grow all their lives

Lifespan crocodiles 80-100 years, and throughout this period, they continue to grow. This is due to the ever-increasing areas of cartilage in bones. More interesting is the case with the teeth. In the grounds of the old hollow tooth wear and tear as they gradually grow new ones, so that the years of your life may be a predator than a dozen times to change their primary weapon.

Crocodiles swim in the seas and oceans

The main habitat of the crocodiles are freshwater ponds. But there are species (American crocodile, estuarine crocodile, spectacled caiman) are quite tolerant of salt water. Saltwater crocodiles use ocean currents to travel long distances. Special study was conducted, during which one of the observed animals swam 590 kilometers in 25 days. Often these reptiles are being squeezed out of the coastal waters of their competitors - tiger sharks, whose teeth can not cope with the thick skin of a crocodile.

They know how to climb trees

The last thing you expect to see this clumsy predator on the tree. However, scientists from the University of Tennessee have provided evidence that some species of crocodiles are able to climb on the river located near the trunks of trees. It is not entirely clear why they do it. Working version is that in this way the reptile itself provide the best conditions for thermoregulation.

Crocodiles swallow stones

In the stomach of a crocodile at the opening usually find a few gems. Animals ingest them to better fray swallowed pieces of food, as crocodiles can not chew. There is also a version that these rocks act as a kind of ballast. They move the center of gravity reptiles, giving more stability while swimming.

Crocodiles do not cry

One of the most common myths about the crocodiles, which appeared in ancient times, says that crocodiles weep, eating their victims. In fact, this is only partially true. Yes, something like the tears of crocodiles actually observed, but these are explained by selection O necessity salts from the body, which uses special glands located in the most eye.

Jumping out of the water and run gallop like a horse

Native elements for crocodiles is considered water. There are quite deftly and quickly swim, and if necessary can even jump out of the water to a height of 2 meters. On land, they mostly rest and look rather clumsy. However, in case of danger, the crocodile is able to run quite fast on a hard surface, with even a gallop, in the manner of a racehorse. Watch a video on this linkOnly until the end.

Since crocodiles can be friends

To tame this predator, of course, impossible. But to establish a more or less tolerable relationship is quite real. For example, in an African village Sabu state of Burkina Faso crocodiles from the nearby lake They are considered sacred animals, so many generations of residents fed them to the full, and protect from hunters. Well-fed and happy inhabitants of the lake gradually became so peaceful that allow people to safely pat yourself, and even shabby tail. The result was a spectacular attraction for tourists, who make breathtaking selfie very close to the predators.

Interestingly, crocodiles upper link are in their food chain. This means they have no natural enemies, they can beat any animals found in their native habitat. With the exception of the most dangerous predator on the planet - homo sapiens.