CROCODILE

 

Introduction:Crocodile :  is the chordate animal which is included under the class reptilia and the order lacertilia in which all the lizards are also included. Almost all of us have heard and seen the crocodile in its natural habitat or in the zoo. It is fearful to look at. It is like a big lizard. It is considered to be the rude animal of nature and there are provers and sayings regarding it that if some one sheds tears for others then if he or she is rude in nature then it is said that the tears are the crocodile tears. Any way crocodile is the frightening animal.
Where is crocodile found? Crocodile is found to be distributed in the riverside but specially in those areas where the river is situated near the big jungle or in the area of natural park and wildlife reserve. Crocodiles live in the deep water river where there is the sustainable source of water.
Structure : Crocodiles have the common reptilian feature. Its body is bilaterally symmetrical and dorsoventrally  flattened a little bit. The whole body is covered by horny and dry scales.which gives protection to its body. There are two pairs of limbs, one pair of forelimbs and another pair of hind limbs.Each limb has five digits with well developed claws which help them to grasp the animals firmly.It has the well developed tail which is also covered with scales.
Food habit: Crocodiles are generally carnivorous in food habit. They use to eat the whole animal which it finds on its way in its natural habitat. It attacks the animals which comes near the front part of its body. But it remains silent until the animal comes just in front of it. It swallows the animal as a whole.
Importance: Crocodile, although is the fearful animal, it is important from the ecological point of view. It is helping to balance the ecosystem of the particular habitat by playing the role of one of the trophic level of aquatic ecosystem. So it should be preserved in its natural habitat for the balance of nature.