Crocodilia

Also known as Crocodylia

Crocodilia () is an order of semiaquatic, predatory reptiles that are known as crocodilians. They appeared 83.5 million years ago in the Late Cretaceous period (Campanian stage) and are the closest living relatives of birds, as the two groups are the only known survivors of the Archosauria. Members of the crocodilian total group, the clade Pseudosuchia, appeared about 250 million years ago in the Early Triassic period, and diversified during the Mesozoic era. The order includes the true crocodiles (family Crocodylidae), the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae), and the gharial and fal

AI overview

Crocodilia is an order of large, semiaquatic predatory reptiles that have existed for over 83 million years and are the closest living relatives of birds. These animals, which include crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials, are the last surviving members of an ancient group called Archosauria that dominated during the age of dinosaurs.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Class

PhylumChordata
ClassCrocodylia

Habitatmarine, brackish, freshwater

Crocodilians are members of the taxon Crocodilia and include the crocodiles, alligators, gavials, and caimans. With some possible exceptions, crocodilians are more closely related to birds than to any other living reptile. Crocodilians are large reptiles with powerful limbs and tails and heavy plates of bone (osteoderms) beneath the skin. All crocodilian species have webbed feet, a transparent membrane drawn across the eye underwater, nostrils at the top of the snout, and other adaptations for an aquatic lifestyle. Crocodilians also have well-developed senses of smell, sight, and hearing. Of the 23 crocodilian species that exist in the world, the American crocodile and the American alligator are native to the United States. A third species, the common caiman, is an introduced species in Florida.

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Wikidata facts

Image: Crocodylus acutus jalisco mexico.jpg

Show 5 more facts

Commons category: Crocodilia
taxon name: Crocodilia
Commons gallery: Crocodilia
start time: 83500000-0
taxon common name: crocodilios

Sources (4)

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Article

34 sections

Contents

Spelling and etymology
Phylogeny and evolution
Origins from pseudosuchians
Early crocodyliform diversity
Diversification of modern crocodilians
Relationships
Anatomy and physiology
Locomotion
Jaws and teeth
Sense organs
Skin and scales
Circulation
Respiration
Digestion
Thermoregulation
Osmoregulation
Distribution and habitat
Behaviour and life history
Feeding
Reproduction and parenting
Communication
Growth and mortality
Cognition
Interactions with humans
Attacks
Uses
Conservation
Cultural depictions
In mythology and folklore
In literature and media
References
Citations
Bibliography
External links

Extant crocodilians have flat heads with long snouts and tails that are compressed on the sides, with their eyes, ears, and nostrils at the top of the head. Alligators and caimans tend to have broader U-shaped jaws that, when closed, show only the upper teeth, whereas crocodiles usually have narrower V-shaped jaws with both rows of teeth visible when closed. Gharials have extremely slender, elongated jaws. The teeth are conical and peg-like, and the bite is powerful. All crocodilians are good swimmers and can move on land in a "high walk" position, traveling with their legs erect rather than sprawling. Crocodilians have thick skin covered in non-overlapping scales and, like birds, have a four-chambered heart and lungs with unidirectional airflow.