Crocodilia
Crocodilia
Crocodilia (pronounced: kroh-kuh-DIL-ee-uh) is an order of mostly large, predatory, semiaquatic reptiles, known as crocodilians. They first appeared 95 million years ago in the Late Cretaceous period (Cenomanian stage) and are the closest living relatives of birds, as the two groups are the only known survivors of the Archosauria.
Etymology
The term "Crocodilia" comes from the Greek words "krokodilos," meaning "pebble worm" (krokē "pebble" + drilos "worm"). This is possibly a reference to the animal's habit of basking on the pebbly banks of the Nile.
Related Terms
- Alligator: A large, semiaquatic reptile similar to a crocodile but with a broader and shorter head, native to the Americas and China.
- Caiman: A Central and South American reptile that is similar to the alligator.
- Gharial: A long-snouted crocodilian native to the Indian subcontinent.
- Crocodile: A large predatory semiaquatic reptile with long jaws, long tail, short legs, and a hide that is often used in making luggage and handbags.
Classification
Crocodilia is an order that includes the families Crocodylidae (the true crocodiles), Alligatoridae (alligators and caimans), and Gavialidae (the gharial and false gharial).
Habitat and Behavior
Crocodilians are found mainly in lowlands in the tropics, but alligators also live in the southeastern United States and the Yangtze River in China. They are largely carnivorous, and they have a slow metabolism, so they can survive a long time between meals.
Conservation
Many species of Crocodilia are at the risk of extinction, some being classified as critically endangered. Conservation efforts are being made worldwide to save these ancient creatures.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Crocodilia
- Wikipedia's article - Crocodilia
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