How many crocodile teeth? And other interesting facts

Crocodiles - one of the oldest reptiles, prehistoric species of which lived in the Jurassic period, they are considered the largest reptiles of our time. At present, 12 species of crocodiles are known, as well as several species of alligators and caimans close to them.

Teeth

Very often crocodiles are confused with alligators, although in fact they have many differences, the most important of which is the structure of the teeth.

So how many teeth do the crocodile have and how are they arranged? When the jaw of the reptile is closed, then the fourth tooth from below is clearly visible - this, by the way, is the main difference from alligators - they are all closed. Teeth of a conical crocodile with a hollow inner surface in which new incisors are formed. Fangs change approximately once in two years and for all his life can be updated up to 50 times. The tongue, on the contrary, is completely ingrown into the lower jaw, because of which some believe that this organ does not exist at all in the crocodile.

But how many teeth does a crocodile have? On average, they range from 64 to 80, depending on the species, but they are arranged in all the same way. The crocodile's teeth are not adapted to chewing, it is only able to tear off large chunks from its victim and swallow them. That is why, if the prey is too large to swallow it whole, the crocodiles drag it to the depth and begin to "twist" out of it pieces of meat.

Often, they lose their teeth, but they quickly grow new ones.

But, despite how many teeth a crocodile has, the bite is strong enough, its strength can be compared with the pressure of a truck. A powerful jaw is necessary for him to transmit the bones and carcasses of animals.

Chinese Alligator

Another type of reptile is the Chinese alligator. It is a comparatively small crocodile, reaching a length of not more than one and a half meters in length. From the rest of the alligators, they are spotty in color. Dwell mainly near the Yangtze River in Asia, listed in the Red Book as a small species. They feed mainly on waterfowl, fish and snakes. People throw themselves at people only in case of threat. In general, they are quite flexible, thanks to which they perfectly coexist with a person and can remember up to six people they are in contact with.

Interesting facts about crocodiles

Some tribes of New Guinea refer crocodiles to sacred animals, so young men purposefully mutilate their skin, so that the scars on it resemble the skin of a reptile.

They do cry during meals, but this is not because they feel sorry for their prey, but because of the fact that through the tear glands the air that reaches the crocodile when eating is thus released.

The crocodile stomach can contain up to 5 kg of stones, which help them to dive better and stay on the surface of the water.

Despite the fact that the crocodile's jaw has a very high pressure, the muscles that are responsible for opening the mouth are rather weak. It is enough to hold it by hand, so as not to let it open.

Crocodile is able to do without food for a year.

The blood of the crocodile contains a natural antibiotic, thanks to which these inflammations do not have inflammation and gangrene, no matter what wounds they have caused.

Despite how many teeth a crocodile has and how frightening it is in general, there are entire farms where people plant them in the thousands. And in some families, this reptile also lives as a pet.